[Lani]

No, I just came back from ASCO breast conference and lapatinib is in general not as effective as herceptin, but both combined are more effective than either alone.

Lapatinib is usually given if progression occurs while on herceptin especially if the progression includes brain mets, but research seems to be showing that it is best to stay on the herceptin and just add to it--

Most additions except for AIs or chemo are only approved in clinical trials eg
mTor inhibitors, Hsp90 inhibitors, etc but neoadjuvant studies show herceptin+laptainib to be a very effective combinaiton

Hope this helps