length of time with Tykerb

[HavahJ]

How long is someone suppose to take tykerb? Forever or is there a time when it has done its job?

[hutchibk]

Right now it is approved only for treatment of metastatic breast cancer, not first line or preventative treatment... so I don't believe they know how long it would be recommended for in that setting. In my case for my treatment of mets, I am on Tykerb/Xeloda indefinitely, as long as it continues to keep my mets under control and I have no toxicity from it. I still have virtually no side effects, so I will stay on it as long as possible. I have high hopes that it will hold me stable for 50 years. I understand that over time Xeloda can have a build up of toxicity, so that might possibly be the one that we discontinue some day if necessary. Hope this helps, even though it is a pretty un-scientific answer!

[Joannie]

I'm on the TEACH trial for Tykerb and I'm taking it for one year.
Joannie