Clinical Trials

While BIG is mainly focused on large adjuvant trials, it also provides a discussion forum for prevention trials and studies in advanced breast cancer. In general, a minimum of two cooperative groups that are BIG members must commit to a study in order for it to become a BIG trial, although in most cases, three or more groups are involved. One of these becomes the designated coordinating group. While a pharmaceutical company usually supports the large adjuvant studies, trials without industry backing are strongly encouraged. As of 25 January 2008, 12 studies (to which are linked several sub-studies) are ongoing / open to recruitment, 2 are soon-to-start / planned and 15 have recently closed to accrual. Many more are under discussion.