Unusual long-lasting cutaneous complete response to lapatinib and capecitabine in a heavily pretreated HER2-positive plurimetastatic breast cancer patient

Abstract

Lapatinib, in combination with capecitabine, has shown clinical activity in both first-line and refractory disease in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer. Herein we describe the case of a plurimetastatic, heavily pretreated, HER2-positive breast cancer patient who experienced multiple cutaneous metastases successfully treated with lapatinib and capecitabine. An early complete response was obtained on all skin lesions, and no evidence of disease progression at other metastatic sites was observed for 22 months. The treatment was well tolerated, without dose-reductions or delays. In advanced breast cancer patients with skin metastases overexpressing HER2, previously treated with anthracyclines, taxanes and trastuzumab, lapatinib and capecitabine may represent a very active, safe and well-tolerated treatment option.