Lapatinib as adjuvant monotherapy in early HER2-positive breast cancer produced poorer outcomes than trastuzumab in a head-to-head trial, according to the trial’s sponsor. “Consequent to this finding, patients assigned to the lapatinib alone arm of the trial will discontinue lapatinib and discuss treatment options with their study physician,” according to a statement released by GlaxoSmithKline. The 3 other arms of the Adjuvant Lapatinib and/or Trastuzumab Treatment Opt - imization (ALTTO) trial will continue uninterrupted. These arms include trastuzumab mono therapy, lapatinib followed by trastuzumab, and trastuzumab followed by lapatinib. The trial’s redefined goal will be to “test for superiority between the combination arms and trastuzumab alone with respect to disease-free survival,” the statement noted.
