A Life-Changing Discovery

At 67, Linda Kelly isn't letting advanced breast cancer dictate her life. After her diagnosis revealed cancer had spread to her bones and chest wall, a groundbreaking new pill known as capivastertib emerged as a beacon of hope, giving her nearly four extra years to enjoy life and travel with her husband.

A Normal Life Amidst the Battle

"It allows you to have a normal kind of life, and sometimes you forget you even have cancer," Linda exclaimed. With capivastertib now funded through the NHS in England, over 1,000 women like Linda may gain a similar lifeline.

The Drug That Delivers Results

Linda is an active person, cycling 60 miles a week and practicing pilates. Her experiences with capivastertib have been remarkable, with minimal side effects. The drug has enabled her to take a holiday to New Zealand and plan yet another adventure to the US!

Hope for the Future

"Knowing the drug is working gives me a sense of calm," she said. "It makes you consider your life, your future plans, and feel confident enough to pursue them." But despite Linda's positive results, not everyone may experience the same outcome.

A Promising Clinical Trial

In a recent study involving 708 women, capivastertib, combined with hormone therapy, effectively doubled the time it took for cancer to progress—from 3.6 months to 7.3 months—and shrank tumors in 23% of participants. Professor Nick Turner, a leading researcher, emphasized its potential: "It can delay chemotherapy, a prospect many women dread due to its side effects."

A Targeted Therapy Revolution

Approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), this targeted therapy blocks a protein called AKT, integral to cancer growth. With a development history stretching back two decades, AstraZeneca has created what researchers deem the most effective drug for advanced cancer.

Navigating Treatment Access

While this breakthrough therapy offers hope, not every patient is a candidate. Genetics play a significant role, affecting nearly half of those with hormone receptor-positive secondary breast cancer. Claire Rowney from Breast Cancer Now voiced her support for faster access to this treatment, stating, "Patients shouldn't face unnecessary delays after initial rejection by NICE."

A Call for Swift Action

As NHS England reviews treatments, experts stress the importance of quick genetic testing to ensure eligible patients can access capivastertib without further obstacles. While NICE has approved the majority of breast cancer treatments in recent years, the focus remains on making these lifelines available swiftly and efficiently.

Breast Cancer's Grim Reality

With breast cancer being the most prevalent cancer in the UK—affecting 1 in 7 women—the urgency for kinder, effective treatments is paramount. Nevertheless, survival rates are improving, with 75% of women surviving a decade or more post-diagnosis.

A Bright Future Ahead

Linda's story is a powerful testament to how medical advancements can dramatically reshape the lives of those battling cancer. The future holds promise as researchers and health organizations continue to strive for better treatment options.