T-DM1 trials

Emelie B · 02-21-2010, 10:22 AM

I have found 2 trials being conducted close to home and I am wondering how you decide if you should look into a trial or do the prescribed course your doctor recommends. Mine is to complete 6-8 weeks of Herceptin and Taxol, re-scan and see where we are. If we can get good repsonse, he wants to do Tykerb/Xeloda. I see a lot of failure rate with this and am wondering if I should be looking into one of the trials. Any advice either way greatly appreciated from you long time warriors.
Emelie

Becky · 02-21-2010, 11:40 AM

Dear Emelie

I think the trial might be something worth considering and investigating. You can't get the drug elsewhere but you can always do Taxol/Herceptin or Tykerb/Xeloda anytime.

I am sorry about your recurrence Emelie. I put my arms around you.

ElaineM · 02-21-2010, 12:44 PM

It certainly can't hurt to look into trials and other drug combinations now. You can be ready to discuss various options with your doctor if and when you need to do that. Being an educated, proactive and aggressive patient helps alot. Good luck. Take good care of yourself.

chrisy · 02-21-2010, 01:51 PM

I agree, it can't hurt to look into the other trials. You've already begun the taxol/herceptin, right?

So it's a choice between staying the course for another few cycles then switching to tykerb/xeloda; or trying to get into a TDM1 trial in the middle of your current treatment plan.

First, check out the details of the TDM1 trials - they have different inclusion/exclusion requirements (some require you have - or cannot have had - specific prior therapies), and also different designs (for example, one of the current phase III is tykerb/xeloda vs. TDM1.) Know what the options are first.

If you do qualify for a trial, there would probably be a washout period (no treatment at all) for a few weeks - which can be scary - and new baseline scans, which might answer the question if the taxol/herceptin is working.

There are no easy answers, the plan you are on seems a very reasonable option that could work really well...and so might other options!

Not too helpful, I know!!!

Mary Anne in TX · 02-21-2010, 01:58 PM

Trust yourself, girl! Sounds like a terrific idea! ma