Novartis discontinues Tasigna trial in GIST

Novartis is discontinuing a Phase III trial of Tasigna (nilotinib) for investigational use in the first-line treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) based on the recommendation of an independent data monitoring committee. Interim results showed Tasigna is unlikely to demonstrate superiority compared to Glivec (imatinib), the current standard of care in this setting. The trial was a randomized, open-label, multicenter study evaluating the efficacy and safety of nilotinib versus imatinib in adult patients with unresectable and/or metastatic GIST. The side effect profile seen in this trial was consistent