New Hope for Cancer Patients

Linda Kelly, a spirited 67-year-old, has faced the daunting challenge of advanced breast cancer that has spread to her bones and chest wall. Yet, thanks to an innovative new pill called capivasertib, she feels like she’s been given a second chance at life.

Linda describes the transformative effects of the medication, saying, "It allows you to live a normal life, almost making you forget you have cancer." This groundbreaking drug has just been added to the NHS repertoire in England and Wales, starting today.

A Life Renewed

More than 1,000 women dealing with incurable breast cancer could experience the benefits of this cutting-edge treatment. With the ability to slow the disease’s progression, capivasertib offers newfound hope to countless patients.

An enthusiastic gardener and cyclist who logs 60 miles weekly, Linda has reported remarkable results, taking the pill twice daily with minimal side effects. It has empowered her to travel—she explored New Zealand with her husband Neil last year and is eagerly planning a trip to the U.S. this year.

A Game Changer for Cancer Treatment

"You feel the drug is working and can maintain a more peaceful mindset. It’s given me nearly four extra years," Linda shares, reflecting on how capivasertib has reignited her zest for life.

However, the drug is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Clinical trials involving 708 women have shown it can double the time it takes for cancer to progress, increasing survival from 3.6 months to 7.3 months, with tumor shrinkage in 23% of participants.

Experts Rally for Faster Approvals

Professor Nick Turner, a leading researcher at the Institute of Cancer Research, emphasizes that capivasertib represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment. "It can substantially delay the need for chemotherapy, a prospect many women dread due to side effects," he notes.

Despite this promising breakthrough, charity leaders stress the urgent need for quicker drug approvals. Breast Cancer Now’s chief executive Claire Rowney expressed her delight over capivasertib’s inclusion but also highlighted the unnecessary delays many patients faced in accessing it.

A Targeted Approach to Advanced Cancer

Capivasertib is a targeted therapy that works by inhibiting the activity of the AKT protein, which propels cancer growth. Nearly two decades in the making, this drug has emerged as one of the most effective options for patients with advanced cancers.

This treatment is particularly beneficial for those with specific genetic mutations, impacting almost half of individuals with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, the most prevalent form.

Both Prof Johnson of NHS England and stakeholders are advocating for rapid genetic testing to ensure eligible patients receive timely access to capivasertib, urging governments to expedite funding approvals.

The Future of Breast Cancer Treatment

With breast cancer affecting one in seven women in the UK, Linda's story is a beacon of hope amidst the battle against this prevalent disease. The advent of drugs like capivasertib not only aims to extend life but also improve its quality. As the landscape of breast cancer treatment evolves, the commitment to swift and equitable access to life-saving medications remains paramount.