New combo therapy for seniors with aggressive breast cancer shows promise in early trial

NCT ID NCT01273610

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: City of Hope Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing how well older adults (60+) with advanced HER2+ breast cancer tolerate a combination of two targeted drugs: lapatinib and trastuzumab. The study enrolled 40 participants and focuses on side effects, especially heart-related issues and severe toxicities. The goal is to see if this drug pair is safe enough for this age group, who are often underrepresented in cancer trials.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: lapatinib (Tykerb) and trastuzumab (Herceptin)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that combining these two targeted drugs is safe and tolerable for older adults with advanced HER2+ breast cancer, offering a treatment option for this age group.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial focused on safety, not on proving the combination works. Side effects like heart problems or severe toxicities are possible, and the results may not apply to all patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

breast neoplasm HER2 positive breast carcinoma Patient Compliance

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BREAST NEOPLASMS GERIATRIC HEALTH SERVICES HER2/NEU POSITIVE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
City of Hope Antelope Valley

Lancaster, California, 93534, United States
City of Hope Medical Center

Duarte, California, 91010, United States
Duke University Medical Center

Durham, North Carolina, 27704, United States
Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States
South Pasadena Cancer Center

Pasadena, California, 91030, United States
Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States

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