A pill marketed as “game-changing” by AstraZeneca and intended for the treatment of advanced breast cancer in women is now set to be made available on the NHS, following a policy reversal by the medicines regulatory body. This move is expected to benefit nearly 3,000 women in England and Wales annually, who have hormone receptor (HR)-positive HER2-negative breast cancer featuring specific genetic mutations and spread. Capivasertib, known also as Truqap, inhibits the growth of tumor cells by targeting the AKT protein. Despite this positive step, criticism has been raised about the initial denial of approval, which resulted in treatment delays. Experts emphasize the need for swift genetic testing to identify eligible patients with minimal delay.

Scientists from organizations such as the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London have contributed to decades of investigation leading to this breakthrough. Capivasertib’s current approval extends to particular genetic markers found in about half of the population with this breast cancer subtype. The pill has been shown to extend the time before cancer progression in combination with hormone therapy fulvestrant, by approximately 4.2 months relative to the use of fulvestrant alone. Pundits hail this as a significant and promising development in cancer treatment, with the potential to significantly improve patients’ lives.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/11/gamechanging-breast-cancer-pill-to-be-offered-on-nhs-in-england-and-wales