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

NCT ID NCT01273610

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

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