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A breakthrough in breast cancer treatment could offer new hope to thousands of patients. A targeted drug, capivasertib, combined with hormone therapy, has shown promise in prolonging the lives of women with advanced breast cancer. In clinical trials, the drug reduced tumor size and doubled the time before the disease progressed. Capivasertib works by inhibiting the cancer-driving protein AKT, and scientists believe it could become a new standard treatment for the most common type of breast cancer, which affects around 7 in 10 new cases.
The findings, presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, have been called a "major success story" for UK science, with experts like Professor Nick Turner, who led the trial, highlighting its potential to significantly extend the lives of patients. Linda Kelly, a trial participant, described the results as life-changing, with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
The drug, developed through a collaboration between the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and AstraZeneca, marks a significant milestone in cancer research, showcasing the power of partnerships between academia, charities, and industry. Scientists hope capivasertib will soon be approved for widespread use, offering a new option for those with advanced breast cancer.
