Starting Tykerb (TEACH) Trial...

[PatS]

Well, I'm officially starting the Tykerb (TEACH) trial to see if Tykerb can be used to prevent a recurrence (similar to the herceptin trials). I take my first 6 pills tomorrow morning. I have to take 6 pills each day, either an hour before or after eating breakfast (I think it could actually be anytime during the day as long as you take it approx. the same time each day and at least an hour before or after eating).

I know not many are taking tykerb by itself, but was wondering for those who take it by itself or with another drug what side effects you have that can attributed to tykerb.

I will either be getting the drug or a placebo (the trial is double blind, so even my onc. doesn't know what I'm getting) so will be watching for any side effects to indicate I'm actually getting Tykerb. My onc. says she has a couple of women who are taking it in addition to a chemo drug and don't have any side effects from the tykerb, but I'm hoping for something to let me know I'm getting it.

Thanks for your help.


Pat

[Steph]

Hi Pat,


I am on the herceptin and tykerb trial. Herceptin never gave any real side affects so when I got some they told me they seem to be common in patients on tykerb. I got diarhea(sp ?) in the beginning that lasted a couple of days than subsided. Around 2 weeks(I think) after starting I got a rash on my face that appeared like bad acne...This I was told by my protocol nurse is a common one, (I also read it in an article about tykerb) this too has subsided. My fingers crack and split also.

hope this helps,
Steph

[LAURIE]

steph, did your acne rash go away soon. On my second week of herceptin I got icky acne too. I am really struggling with it. I figure if I have no hair, I need to have good skin. It is definelty acne like, not just a rash. I also started Taxol the same day as herceptin. I am on week 3 of Taxol and Herceptin now.

[Joannie]

Hi:

I've been trying to understand this TEACH Trial. I never received Herceptin. Unfortunately, I fell into that category of never getting it in trial and then it was too late for me when Herceptin was approved. I was diagnosed in April 2003. Can you tell me about this trial? In information would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Joannie

[PatS]

Thanks Steph, it's nice to know what to expect from someone who's experienced it. I took my first pills this morning and so far no side effects :( , but we'll see what happens.

Joannie -

Here's a link to info on the trial

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00374322?order=1

In order to qualify for the trial you have to have been diag. stages I-III, currently be NED, and never received herceptin. You also have to have blood tests, a general physical by your onc., and a MUGA scan before starting.

The trial is a random, double blind trial, which means you randomly get chosen to either receive Tykerb (Lapatinib) or a placebo, and no one, not even your onc. knows which you're getting. The only way you find out, unless you have some sort of side effect, is if you have a medical emergency where they need to know whether or not you're taking it. You go see the onc every three months and also have to have a MUGA every 3 months.

The doseage is 6 pills, once a day, at least 1 hour before or after eating.

If you click on the link above and scroll down it lists participating oncs. by state.

I am in a similar situation as you....I was diag. in July 2002 and finished chemo in Jan. 2003 and at the time didn't get herceptin as I didn't qualify for any trial and once it was approved my onc was reluctant to give it to me as it had been so long since I finished chemo.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Pat

[bashmaz]

So I hope to hear soon that I qualify and can get started. I'd also like to get some kind of "side effect"! I was diagnosed in april 2002 and didn't have Herceptin. I'll be doing this trial through my oncologist at Northwest Cancer Specialists in Vancouver, Washington.

Marianne

[Steph]

I didn't get the acne rash until about 2 weeks of taking Tykerb and it started to clear up after about 3 days. Took a little bit before it completely went away...it cleared up a little bit every day. I don't think this "rash" happens to everyone the nurse said it also can be on your chest and back too.


Hope this helps.
Steph

[Barbara]

Hi Steph:

In your entry you said you were on the Herceptin and Tykerb trial. The only Clinical Trial I can find for early stagers excludes those who have had Herceptin? Is the trial you are on only for Stage IV?

Thanks for helping me through my confusion.

Barbara