08/12/2004
New drug better for older women with breast cancer
Research data published in The Lancet has shown that there is a better treatment available for breast cancer in post-menopausal women than the one currently recommended.
The study found that anastrazole, marketed as Arimidex, which is much more expensive than the currently drug of choice tamoxifen, is both better at preventing the spread and return of breast cancer in older women.
The five-year trial known as ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) found that while Tamoxifen was effective for hormone-responsive breast cancer, anastrazole was both more effective and had fewer side effects.
Researchers reported that anastrazole offered a 10% better survival rate in the five-year long trial that involved over 9,300 women. It also reduced the spread of cancer to other parts of the body by 14% and lowered the occurrence of cancer in the other breast by 40%. The time of any recurrence of cancer was also increased by 20%. They recommended that older women with breast cancer should be switched onto the new drug where appropriate.
Tamoxifen has been implicated in causing endometrial cancer and blood clotting disorders, though patients treated with anastrazole reported joint pains and experienced more bone fractures. Both drugs work by interfering with the female hormone ostroegen.
At around £1000 a year for a course of anastrazole, compared with around £25 a year for tamoxifen it is thought that it may be some time before the drug is offered free on the NHS.
(SP/MB)
The study found that anastrazole, marketed as Arimidex, which is much more expensive than the currently drug of choice tamoxifen, is both better at preventing the spread and return of breast cancer in older women.
The five-year trial known as ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) found that while Tamoxifen was effective for hormone-responsive breast cancer, anastrazole was both more effective and had fewer side effects.
Researchers reported that anastrazole offered a 10% better survival rate in the five-year long trial that involved over 9,300 women. It also reduced the spread of cancer to other parts of the body by 14% and lowered the occurrence of cancer in the other breast by 40%. The time of any recurrence of cancer was also increased by 20%. They recommended that older women with breast cancer should be switched onto the new drug where appropriate.
Tamoxifen has been implicated in causing endometrial cancer and blood clotting disorders, though patients treated with anastrazole reported joint pains and experienced more bone fractures. Both drugs work by interfering with the female hormone ostroegen.
At around £1000 a year for a course of anastrazole, compared with around £25 a year for tamoxifen it is thought that it may be some time before the drug is offered free on the NHS.
(SP/MB)
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27 June 2014
Blood Test Could Predict Breast Cancer - Research
A blood test is currently in development that could help predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, according to research by the University College London (UCL).
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A blood test is currently in development that could help predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, according to research by the University College London (UCL).
12 April 2006
Breast cancer patient wins Herceptin court battle
A breast cancer patient has won an appeal to receive the drug Herceptin on the NHS. Ann Marie Rogers, 54, from Swindon went to the Court of Appeal after the High Court ruled that Swindon Primary Care Trust had not acted unlawfully in refusing to give her the drug.
Breast cancer patient wins Herceptin court battle
A breast cancer patient has won an appeal to receive the drug Herceptin on the NHS. Ann Marie Rogers, 54, from Swindon went to the Court of Appeal after the High Court ruled that Swindon Primary Care Trust had not acted unlawfully in refusing to give her the drug.
17 October 2005
Breast cancer can cost ‘thousands’
Breast cancer can cost sufferers thousands of pounds, a survey by a leading cancer charity has revealed. Macmillan Cancer Relief surveyed 50 cancer patients and found that, on average, they spent almost £2,000 on extra costs during their treatment.
Breast cancer can cost ‘thousands’
Breast cancer can cost sufferers thousands of pounds, a survey by a leading cancer charity has revealed. Macmillan Cancer Relief surveyed 50 cancer patients and found that, on average, they spent almost £2,000 on extra costs during their treatment.
15 January 2013
Historic Breast Cancer Consultation Launched
Women in England and Wales with a strong family history of breast cancer could be offered medication in an effort to prevent the disease. A consultation has been launched by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence on whether tamoxifen could be given for up to five years.
Historic Breast Cancer Consultation Launched
Women in England and Wales with a strong family history of breast cancer could be offered medication in an effort to prevent the disease. A consultation has been launched by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence on whether tamoxifen could be given for up to five years.
10 October 2005
Breast cancer survival rates rise
Almost two-thirds of all women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are now likely to survive for at least 20 years, a leading cancer charity has claimed.
Breast cancer survival rates rise
Almost two-thirds of all women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are now likely to survive for at least 20 years, a leading cancer charity has claimed.
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