ALTTO trial opens, with first patient enrolled in June 2007
The ALTTO trial is a worldwide study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new therapy, lapatinib (Tykerb®/Tyverb®) in treating early breast cancer following surgery. The trial is open to patients who have HER2 (ErbB2)-positive breast cancer, which is characterised by too much HER2 (ErbB2) protein in the tumour and a greater risk of the tumour coming back.
Approximately 8000 patients will be treated with lapatinib or trastuzumab (Herceptin®)—alone, in combination, or in sequence (one after the other). Lapatinib is an investigational adjuvant therapy that is given as a tablet. Trastuzumab is currently approved for adjuvant breast cancer therapy in the United States and Europe and is given intravenously.
The ALTTO trial will be conducted at about 1300 sites (hospitals or doctor's offices) in approximately 50 countries around the world. The first patients were enrolled into the trial in June 2007. Patients will receive study treatment for one year (52 weeks), and will be followed for a total of 10 years.
ALTTO is organised by two prominent academic groups—BIG (Breast International Group) and NCCTG (North Central Cancer Treatment Group), which carry out research to improve the treatment and prevention of cancer. ALTTO is also conducted in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline.
A companion trial will evaluate lapatinib in the neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer. Neoadjuvant treatment is given with the goal of shrinking the tumour prior to surgery. For more information on the Neo-Adjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimisation (Neo-ALTTO) trial, click on the Neo-ALTTO button at left.
Tykerb and Tyverb are registered trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
Herceptin is a registered trade mark of Genentech, Inc.
Approximately 8000 patients will be treated with lapatinib or trastuzumab (Herceptin®)—alone, in combination, or in sequence (one after the other). Lapatinib is an investigational adjuvant therapy that is given as a tablet. Trastuzumab is currently approved for adjuvant breast cancer therapy in the United States and Europe and is given intravenously.
The ALTTO trial will be conducted at about 1300 sites (hospitals or doctor's offices) in approximately 50 countries around the world. The first patients were enrolled into the trial in June 2007. Patients will receive study treatment for one year (52 weeks), and will be followed for a total of 10 years.
ALTTO is organised by two prominent academic groups—BIG (Breast International Group) and NCCTG (North Central Cancer Treatment Group), which carry out research to improve the treatment and prevention of cancer. ALTTO is also conducted in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline.
A companion trial will evaluate lapatinib in the neoadjuvant treatment of breast cancer. Neoadjuvant treatment is given with the goal of shrinking the tumour prior to surgery. For more information on the Neo-Adjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Optimisation (Neo-ALTTO) trial, click on the Neo-ALTTO button at left.
Tykerb and Tyverb are registered trade marks of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
Herceptin is a registered trade mark of Genentech, Inc.
