Lapatinib is categorized as which type of inhibitor?

Lapatinib is classified as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which is significant because it specifically targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). By inhibiting these pathways, Lapatinib disrupts cancer cell proliferation and survival signaling, particularly in certain types of breast cancer that overexpress HER2.

The focus of tyrosine kinases in cancer treatment is their role in signal transduction pathways that regulate cell division, ultimately affecting tumor growth. By blocking these signals, Lapatinib helps to control the growth of tumors that depend on these receptors for their development and progression. Thus, identifying Lapatinib as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor highlights its mechanism of action in targeted cancer therapies.