Effects of Esomeprazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Lapatinib in Breast Cancer Patients

The aqueous solubility of lapatinib declines significantly at pH>4, suggesting that its bioavailability might be lowered by acid-reducing drugs. A study was therefore conducted to assess the effects of esomeprazole on lapatinib pharmacokinetics (PK). Women with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2(+)) breast cancer were enrolled. Patients received 1,250 mg lapatinib once daily (QD) in the morning on Days 1-7 (Period 1) and Days 8-14 (Period 2) with 40 mg esomeprazole QD at bedtime 3 hours after dinner on Days 8-14. Lapatinib PK sampling occurred during the 24-hour steady-state dosing intervals on Day 7 (lapatinib alone) and Day 14 (lapatinib with esomeprazole). Esomeprazole treatment resulted in decreased lapatinib bioavailability (mean 26%, range 6-49%) that was inversely associated with patient age as a significant covariate.