Trial reveals revolutionary drug which can reduce risk of women dying of breast cancer by a third

For the trial, scientists studied nearly 2,000 women with early-stage cancer who had the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.  Half were given olaparib tablets and the others were given a placebo.  Results showed death rates were 32 per cent lower among patients given the drug four years later.

 

Charities have called the findings “hugely exciting”, saying the discovery may save the lives of thousands of women.

 

Olaparib, which is sold under the brand name Lynparza, has up until now already been shown to significantly reduce the chance of the inherited cancer spreading, but these new findings, by a team of British and American researchers, are the first to show the drug also slashes the risk of death by a third.

 

Although only a select group of patients can currently access the drug, NHS drug watchdogs are assessing whether it should be made widely available for patients in the UK.

 

Professor Andrew Tutt, chair of the study’s steering committee, said the results of the trial show olaparib can “keep more women with inherited breast cancer free of disease and alive and well after their initial treatment” adding that the results show that the drug can “directly target the weakness” in the cancer of women with BRCA mutations and “improve their survival”.

 

He went on to say “I hope to see BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing used for more women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, so that we can determine who can benefit from this personalised treatment approach.

 

“Olaparib provides a much-needed new individualised and targeted treatment option to keep more women with inherited breast cancer free of disease and alive and well after their initial treatment.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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