Optimal tolerability and high efficacy of a modified schedule of lapatinib-capecitabine in advanced breast cancer patients.

Purpose Diarrhea in relation to the lapatinib–capecitabine regimen is a common and debilitating side effect which may interfere with optimal treatment delivery. We performed a post hoc analysis in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive advanced breast cancer patients treated with a modified schedule in its administration, aimed primarily to evaluate grade (G) ≥2 diarrhea incidence and, secondarily, treatment efficacy.