Tykerb: The New FDA Approved Breast Cancer Drug
By Debra N. Gunter, MSW
Tykerb (lapatinib) is a new drug that offers promise and hope to women who have a more aggressive form of breast cancer (metastatic breast cancer) when other drug therapies have failed. On March 13, 2007, the US “Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug for women with HER 2-positive tumors that have continued growing despite treatment with chemotherapy and Herceptin (trastuzumab).” Hitti, M. (2007). FDA Approves New Breast Cancer Drug: Tykerb May Be Second-Line Treatment for Some Advanced Breast Cancers. Retrieved on April 13, 2007 from WebMD website FAD approves new breast cancer drug
Tykerb is administered in pill form and must be taken in combination with Xeloda (capecitabine), a chemotherapy pill. “In a clinical trial of nearly 400 women, the combination of Tykerb and Xeloda helped to lengthen the time it took for breast cancer to start growing again (27 weeks vs. 19 weeks) compared to taking Xeloda alone.” New Drug Approved for Breast Cancer: Tykerb May Help If Herceptin Fails. (2007). Retrieved on March 26, 2007 from the American Cancer Society website located at
NWS 1 1X New Drug Approved for Breast Cancer
Research shows that the most common reported side effects of Tykerb includes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, rash, and hand-foot syndrome, a condition that causes numbness, tingling, redness, and discomfort in the hands and feet. A Few patients in the clinical trial reported experiencing declines in heart function. It is not yet known if Tykerb helps women live longer.
Tykerb is made by GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline has set up a program called Tykerb CARES (1866-489-5372) to help women get information about the drug, including help with insurance coverage and financial assistance.” Retrieved on March 26, 2007 from NWS 1 1X New Drug Approved for Breast Cancer
Additional information about Tykerb can be retrieved from
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/lapatinib0606
http://www.tykerb.com/
What is a Mammogram?
Mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breast. It is used to detect and evaluate breast abnormalities, in women who have no breast complaints or symptoms and in women who have breast symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.
What is the Difference between a Screening Mammogram and a Diagnostic Mammogram?
A Screening Mammogram is an x-ray exam of the breast used to look for cancer in women who have no symptoms. The goal of a screening mammogram is to find cancer when it is too small to be felt by a woman or her physician. Early detection greatly improves the survival rate of those diagnosed with breast cancer.
A Diagnostic Mammogram is done in women who have lumps or other symptoms that could possibly be cancerous. A diagnostic mammogram is done on women who have had something abnormal found during a screening mammogram. During a diagnostic mammogram, more pictures with higher magnification are taken to carefully study the area of concern.
When Should I Have a Screening Mammogram?
It is recommended for every woman to participate in an annual screening mammogram beginning at the age of 40 and older. For women who are at a high risk of breast cancer (family history of breast cancer; mother, grandmother, sister etc.), a screening mammogram should begin at the age of 30 years and continue for as long as a woman is in good health.
Is Having a Mammogram a Painful Procedure?
During a mammogram the breast is squeezed between 2 plastic plates attached to the mammogram machine. Although this compression causes discomfort, it only lasts for a few seconds. The compression is needed to produce a good mammogram. The entire procedure for a mammogram takes about 20 minutes.
Are Mammograms 100% Effective in Detecting Breast Cancer?
A mammogram will sometimes miss some cancers and it sometimes leads to follow up of findings that are not cancer, including biopsies. However, mammograms, despite their limitations, remain the most effective and valuable tool for decreasing suffering and death from breast cancer.
It is very important that x-ray films from previous mammograms are given to the radiologist who is performing the current mammogram so that a comparison of the x-rays can be made (not just the written report).
At What Age Should I Stop Having Mammograms?
There is no fixed age at which women should stop getting mammograms. As long as a woman is in good health and would be a candidate for treatment, she should continue to have mammograms.
What Are the Benefits of a Breast Self Exam (BSE)?
Doing BSE regularly is one way for women to know how their breasts normally look and feel and to notice any changes. The goal, with or without BSE, is to report any breast changes to a doctor or nurse right away.
What Are Some Changes in the Breast That I should be Aware of?
If a change occurs, such as a lump or swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction (turning inward), redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, a discharge other than breast milk, or a change in the size of one breast, you should see your doctor or nurse as soon as possible for an evaluation.
When Should I Begin BSE?
BSE is an option for women starting at age 20. Women should report any breast changes to their health professional right away.
What is a Clinical Breast Exam (CBS)?
CBE is part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional. CBE is a complement to mammograms and an opportunity for women and their doctor to discuss changes in their breasts.
What are the benefits of CBS?
There may be some benefit in having the CBE shortly before the mammogram because if the examiner discovers a mass, then the mammogram can focus on that area of suspicion.
How often should I have a CBS Done?
Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam preferably every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a CBS exam by a health professional every year. Women who have a family history of breast cancer should have a CBS more frequently; preferably every year. A CBS gives women an opportunity to discuss with their doctor, changes in their breasts, early detection testing, and factors in the woman’s history that might make her more likely to have breast cancer.
Information provided by the American Cancer Society (ACS). Click the below link for additional information.
Submitted by,
Debra N. Gunter, President
Yvonne McCalla Foundation Inc.
“EMPOWERING WOMEN AND SAVING LIVES” TM
