Thousands of women with advanced breast cancer in England and Wales are set to benefit from a new treatment option following a significant decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The twice-a-day pill, known as capivasertib (brand name Truqap), has been approved for use on the NHS, marking a major advancement in the fight against hormone receptor (HR)-positive HER2-negative breast cancer, which is the most common type of advanced breast cancer.
Capivasertib, manufactured by AstraZeneca, works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein molecule called AKT, which drives cancer cells to multiply. This innovative approach helps to slow or even stop the spread of the disease, providing a vital lifeline for patients whose cancer has progressed despite previous treatments.
According to NICE, up to 3,000 women each year could benefit from this new treatment. The drug has been shown to increase the time before cancer worsens by approximately 4.2 months when used in combination with the hormone therapy fulvestrant, compared to traditional treatments. Specifically, clinical trial results indicated that the median progression-free survival (PFS) was extended from 3.1 months to 7.3 months for those receiving capivasertib and fulvestrant.
Linda Kelly, a 67-year-old patient living with advanced breast cancer, expressed her gratitude for the new drug, stating, "It does let you have a normal kind of life and you forget you have cancer." Linda, who has been cycling 60 miles a week and practicing pilates, noted that capivasertib has given her nearly four years of extra time, allowing her to travel with her husband and plan future adventures.
Linda is among the more than 1,100 women in England who are expected to be eligible for capivasertib. This new treatment is particularly suited for those whose tumors exhibit mutations in the PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN genes, which are present in about half of patients with this type of breast cancer.
The approval of capivasertib follows decades of research led by scientists at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London. Professor Nicholas Turner, who spearheaded clinical trials for the drug, described the NICE decision as an “immensely rewarding moment” for patients. He emphasized the importance of genetic testing to identify those who could benefit from this new therapy.
Despite the positive news, some advocates have raised concerns about the initial delays in approval. Claire Rowney, chief executive of the charity Breast Cancer Now, criticized the earlier rejection by NICE, which she said led to unnecessary waiting times for patients in need of effective treatments. She urged NHS England to implement prompt genetic testing to ensure that eligible patients can access capivasertib without further delays.
Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, affecting one in seven women during their lifetime. With 75% of breast cancer patients surviving for ten years or more after diagnosis, advancements in treatment options like capivasertib are crucial in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
In a recent statement, Professor Paul Workman, former chief executive of the ICR, described the approval as a “landmark moment” for British science and a testament to the collaborative efforts of researchers and pharmaceutical companies. He highlighted the potential of capivasertib to provide patients with a much-needed alternative to traditional chemotherapy, which is often associated with significant side effects.
As the NHS prepares to roll out capivasertib, experts are optimistic about its potential impact on the lives of women battling advanced breast cancer. The drug will be funded through a designated pot of money allocated for cancer treatments, ensuring that patients can access this innovative therapy promptly.
While this development is a cause for celebration, ongoing discussions around drug pricing and cost-effectiveness remain essential. Professor Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, acknowledged the importance of ensuring that new treatments offer good value for money for the NHS, especially in the current economic climate.
As the healthcare community looks to the future, the approval of capivasertib represents a significant step forward in the quest for more effective and kinder treatments for advanced breast cancer. With continued research and advocacy, there is hope for even more breakthroughs that can enhance the lives of patients facing this challenging diagnosis.
