A groundbreaking breakthrough in breast cancer treatment is set to transform the lives of thousands of women, with a new pill approved for use on the NHS. Capivasertib has shown promising results in clinical trials, increasing the time before disease progression by up to 4.2 months.
Trials have shown that capivasertib, a new breast cancer pill, can increase the time before the disease worsens by about 4.2 months.
Breast cancer treatment involves a range of options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
Surgery is often the primary treatment, with mastectomy or lumpectomy being common procedures.
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy targets specific areas.
Hormone therapy is used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
Advances in treatment include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and precision medicine, which aim to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.
The drug works by blocking an abnormal protein molecule called ‘AKT’, which drives cancer cells to multiply and spread. This helps to slow or stop the progression of the disease in patients with advanced breast cancer who have certain genetic mutations and have spread.
A New Hope for Thousands of Women
About 3,000 women every year in England and Wales could benefit from capivasertib, a significant increase in the number of people who will be able to access this life-changing treatment. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has approved the drug, paving the way for its introduction on the NHS.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide.
In 2020, an estimated 2.3 million new cases were reported globally.
The American Cancer Society reports that about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime.
Breast cancer patients often undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery to treat the disease.
Early detection through mammography and self-examination significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Experts have hailed the decision as a ‘landmark moment’ , with many hailing it as a game-changer in breast cancer treatment. The charity Breast Cancer Now welcomed the green light from Nice but expressed concern that initial rejection of the pill had led to treatment delays.
A Breakthrough After Decades of Research
The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London has been at the forefront of research into capivasertib, with scientists working tirelessly for decades to bring this innovative treatment to patients. The ICR welcomed the approval, saying it was a ‘game-changing’ moment that would improve the lives of thousands of NHS patients.
Scientists have made significant progress in understanding breast cancer, identifying genetic mutations, and developing targeted therapies.
Studies have shown that BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase the risk of breast cancer.
Researchers are exploring immunotherapies to stimulate the immune system's response against cancer cells.
Additionally, advancements in imaging technologies enable earlier detection and more accurate diagnosis.
These breakthroughs hold promise for improving treatment outcomes and saving lives.
The drug is suitable for patients’ tumours with mutations or alterations in specific genes, which are found in about half of patients with this form of breast cancer. Prof Nicholas Turner, who led a key trial into the drug, said: ‘Thousands of NHS patients with advanced breast cancer with these specific biomarkers can now receive this innovative targeted treatment to keep their cancer from progressing for longer.’
