Breakthrough's comment on the announcement that lapatinib (Tyverb) has been given a licence in the European Union

It was announced today that lapatinib (Tyverb) has been given a licence in the European Union as a treatment for women with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer, whose disease has stopped responding to Herceptin.

Dr Alexis Willett, Policy Manager at Breakthrough Breast Cancer says:

“Patients with advanced breast cancer usually have limited treatment options. Today’s launch of lapatinib (Tyverb) will give hope to those diagnosed with the more aggressive HER2-positive form of the disease when it no longer responds to Herceptin. As lapatanib is given as a tablet this will also reduce the number of hospital visits required, improving patients’ quality of life.

“Breakthrough hopes NICE will now push ahead with their ongoing appraisal of lapatanib and we look forward to the outcome as soon as possible. Anyone concerned about their treatment for breast cancer should talk to their doctor.”