Breast cancer pill gives patient 'four years of extra time’ | BBC News

Key Concepts:

• Capivasertib: A targeted treatment drug for advanced breast cancer.
• HR positive breast cancer: The most common type of breast cancer, often associated with specific gene mutations.
• Targeted therapy: A type of treatment that targets specific proteins or genes involved in cancer growth.
• Gene mutation: A change in the DNA sequence of a gene.
• Institute of Cancer Research: Where Capivasertib was first designed.
• Durable responses: Long-lasting positive effects from a treatment.

Capivasertib: A Groundbreaking Drug for Advanced Breast Cancer

• Capivasertib, a targeted treatment for patients with advanced breast cancer, is now available on the NHS.
• It is designed to shrink tumors and extend life with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.

Linda's Experience with Capivasertib

• Linda, a patient with advanced breast cancer that has spread to her bones and chest walls, has experienced "incredible results" from Capivasertib.
• She describes the drug as "fantastic" and says it allows her to live a normal life, almost forgetting she has cancer.
• Capivasertib has given her "nearly four years now of extra time."
• She is able to maintain an active lifestyle, including gardening, cycling 60 miles a week, and doing Pilates.
• She is able to travel with her husband.

Development and Mechanism of Action

• Capivasertib was first designed at the Institute of Cancer Research 20 years ago.
• Scientists aimed to create a medicine that could target the growth protein in cancer cells and "switch it off."
• The drug is for the most common type of breast cancer, HR positive, with a specific gene mutation.

Efficacy and Benefits

• Scientists consider Capivasertib one of the most effective drugs they have seen for advanced cancer.
• It can lead to "really durable responses" in some patients.
• The drug helps double treatment on average and can potentially induce responses for years.
• Unlike chemotherapy, Capivasertib has few side effects.

Impact and Future Prospects

• It is hoped that around 3,000 women a year in England will benefit from Capivasertib.
• The drug allows patients to feel well enough to make plans for the future and confident enough to fulfill them.

Conclusion:

Capivasertib represents a significant advancement in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Its targeted approach, fewer side effects, and potential for durable responses offer new hope and improved quality of life for patients like Linda. The drug's availability on the NHS promises to benefit thousands of women in England.