A drug which has been proven to extend the life of some people with incurable breast cancer has been given to patients on the NHS in Wales for the first time. Gwen Buchan, 62, who has terminal breast cancer, said capivasertib would allow her to see her son's wedding and gave her "hope". Half of women with breast cancer fuelled by the hormone oestrogen are likely to see their life expectancy double when capivasertib is combined with hormone therapy, research has shown. Prof Rob Jones, who co-led a study looking at capivasertib's effectiveness, said the drug offered "a real life impact for people to spend extra time with their relatives, with their friends". Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with one in seven women affected in their lifetimes and 75% surviving for 10 years or more after diagnosis. In Wales, more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Capivasertib, which was developed by experts at Velindre Cancer Centre and Cardiff University, became available to breast cancer patients on the NHS in April. When Ms Buchan's first line of treatment for her terminal breast cancer stopped working, it was a set-back. However, the recent approval of capivasertib for use on the NHS alongside hormone therapy will allow her to enjoy more time with family and friends. She has a common genetic abnormality in her cancer which tests have shown responds well to the drug. "To be told I had secondary breast cancer but my life can be extended, I think it's that hope you have to keep in your mind," said Ms Buchan from Barry, Vale of Glamorgan. "I know that prior to the first line of treatment going down it was expected I'd live five or six years, maybe more. "The way I cope with this is by thinking about today and today is a good day." Ms Buchan is among thousands in the UK and millions worldwide who could benefit from the drug. "I think I'm really lucky because I've got the most supportive husband, children and their partners and extended family and wonderful friends. "What this drug can do for me is allow me to see my son's wedding next year and to look into the future." Despite its approval for use globally by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023, capivasertib only became available to patients via the NHS in England and Wales this year. Dr Simon Waters, consultant medical oncologist at Velindre Cancer Centre, said it was a "great opportunity now we've got to this point". "People have been working on it for a long time. It's great we can now put it in to practice as a standard treatment," he said. "We've been using a similar treatment for a smaller group of patients for a few years and that's had quite a lot of issues with side effects and we think this treatment will not only be more effective but also will have fewer issues with side effects. "It's also applicable to a larger group of patients with this common type of breast cancer." The drug is suitable for those with certain gene mutations that affect up to half of people with hormone receptor positive secondary breast cancer - the most common type, which grows in the presence of oestrogen. Although hormone therapy usually works, eventually the cancer can become resistant to it. A clinical trial founda particular protein which drives the resistance can be neutralisedwhen hormone therapy is combined with capivasertib. Prof Rob Jones said: "Patients who received the hormone therapy with a placebo had an overall survival of around 20 months and those who received the capivasertib with the hormone therapy had an extra 39 months. "It really is a doubling of survival time so that really is significant. It's not just a statistic - it's a real life impact for people to spend extra time with their relatives, with their friends." Dr Nicola Williams, national director of support and delivery at Health and Care Research Wales, said: "A breast cancer diagnosis can be devastating and one in seven women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. "This diagnosis is even more painful if you're told your cancer is incurable. "Thanks to the trial and the licensing of capivasertib, when used alongside a standard hormonal therapy, patients like Gwen now have the potential to receive a very significant extension in their lifespan and improved quality of life."
Cancer drug which could 'double survival time' rolled out
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"New Cancer Drug Capivasertib Available on NHS in Wales, Offering Hope for Breast Cancer Patients"
Bbc News
7.9
TruthLens AI Summary
Capivasertib, a newly approved drug for the treatment of incurable breast cancer, has been rolled out on the NHS in Wales, marking a significant advancement in cancer care. The drug has shown promising results in extending the life expectancy of patients, particularly those with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Research indicates that when capivasertib is combined with hormone therapy, around half of women with this type of breast cancer can see their survival time effectively doubled. This was exemplified by Gwen Buchan, a 62-year-old patient with terminal breast cancer, who expressed hope that this new treatment would allow her to attend her son’s wedding. Prof Rob Jones, who co-led the study on capivasertib's effectiveness, emphasized the substantial impact this drug could have on patients' lives, enabling them to spend more time with loved ones and improving their quality of life significantly.
The drug, developed by researchers at Velindre Cancer Centre and Cardiff University, became available to breast cancer patients in Wales in April 2023, following its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration earlier in the year. Dr. Simon Waters, a consultant medical oncologist, highlighted that capivasertib could be more effective and have fewer side effects compared to previous treatments. It is particularly suitable for patients with specific genetic mutations that are present in up to 50% of individuals with hormone receptor-positive secondary breast cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated that patients receiving capivasertib in conjunction with hormone therapy can experience an increase in overall survival from approximately 20 months to an additional 39 months. This significant extension in survival time provides hope to many patients facing the devastating news of an incurable cancer diagnosis, as noted by Dr. Nicola Williams from Health and Care Research Wales, who stated that the availability of capivasertib represents a major breakthrough in treatment options for breast cancer patients.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the introduction of capivasertib, a new cancer drug that has shown promise in extending the life of patients with terminal breast cancer. This development marks a significant milestone for patients in Wales, particularly for those like Gwen Buchan, who express hope and a renewed sense of purpose in their lives due to the drug's potential effects.
Public Perception and Hope
The narrative seeks to instill hope among the community, emphasizing personal stories like that of Ms. Buchan, who believes the drug could allow her to witness significant family events. By focusing on individual experiences, the article aims to create a positive perception of medical advancements and the NHS's commitment to providing cutting-edge treatments.
Potential Hidden Agendas
While the article showcases the benefits of capivasertib, it is essential to consider whether there are underlying motives, such as promoting the NHS or pharmaceutical companies involved in the drug's development. The portrayal of the drug as a beacon of hope could overshadow discussions about access, affordability, and potential side effects associated with cancer treatments.
Trustworthiness and Reliability
The information presented appears credible, given that it cites reputable sources, including healthcare professionals and research studies. However, the emphasis on positive outcomes without addressing limitations or potential drawbacks may lead to a biased understanding of the drug's true effectiveness.
Broader Implications
This news piece could influence societal attitudes towards cancer treatment and the NHS, potentially increasing public support for healthcare funding and innovations. It may also impact economic factors, such as investments in the pharmaceutical sector or healthcare services.
Target Audiences
The article resonates particularly with cancer patients, their families, and healthcare professionals. It addresses a community seeking hope and advancements in treatment options, aiming to provide reassurance amidst challenging circumstances.
Market Impact
The buzz generated by such news could affect stock prices of pharmaceutical companies involved in cancer research and development. Investors may take a keen interest in companies associated with capivasertib and similar treatments, anticipating growth in the oncology market.
Global Context
While the article primarily focuses on a local development, it reflects broader trends in cancer treatment and healthcare. The ongoing discourse around innovative therapies aligns with global health priorities, emphasizing the need for advancements in cancer care.
AI Influence
It is possible that artificial intelligence tools were employed in crafting the article, particularly in data analysis or summarization. However, the emotive language and personal stories suggest a more human touch, indicating that while AI might aid in research, the narrative's emotional appeal likely stems from human authorship.
In conclusion, the news article serves to inform the public about a significant medical breakthrough while fostering a hopeful outlook on cancer treatment. However, it is crucial to approach such narratives with a critical eye to ensure a balanced understanding of their implications.