The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence has issued an applraisal consultation document on the use of lapatinib for the treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

The appraisal Committee’s preliminary recommendations are as follows:
• Lapatinib (in combination with capecitabine), within its licensed indication, is not recommended for the routine treatment of women with previously treated advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose tumours over-express HER2, except in the context of clinical trials.
• Women with previously treated advanced or metastatic breast cancer who are currently receiving lapatinib should have the option to continue therapy until they and their clinicians consider it appropriate

The closing date for receipt of comments is 11 November 2009.