Three-drug treatment combo ‘holds back aggressive breast cancer for a year'
The treatment could benefit thousands of British women
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A NEW triple threat drug combination could hold aggressive breast cancer at bay for an extra year, a trial found.
Adding the medicine inavolisib to an already used pair of drugs delayed the need for chemotherapy by almost two years.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
Breast cancer gets harder to treat as cells become resistant to drugs (stock image)
Credit: Getty
It prevented tumours from growing for an average of 17 months, compared to seven months in patients using the standard drug pairing palbociclib and fulvestrant.
An estimated 1,000 British women per year could benefit.
The combo works for women with a specific breast cancer type called HR+ HER2- with a PIK3CA mutation, which accounts for about three in 10 cases.
Professor Kristian Helin, chief of The Institute of Cancer Research in London, said: 'We need to tackle treatment resistance head-on to continue improving survival rates.
'This triple combination approach effectively shuts down cancer's escape routes, giving people with metastatic breast cancer the opportunity to live well for longer.'
The trial included 325 patients with aggressive and advanced breast cancer from 28 countries.
Cancers shrank in two thirds of people receiving the triple drug combination, compared to 28 per cent of those on standard treatment.
New go-to option for docs
Study author Professor Nicholas Turner, of the Royal Marsden NHS hospital in London, said: 'This therapy not only helped patients live longer but it more than doubled the time before their cancer progressed or worsened.
'It also gave them more time before needing chemotherapy which is something that patients really fear and want to delay for as long as possible.'
'These results give us confidence that this treatment could become the new go-to option.'
The study was presented at the conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Breast cancer symptoms you should NEVER ignore, with Dr Philippa Kaye
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
David ‘Syd' Lawrence dead at 61: First British-born black cricketer to represent England dies after MND battle
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ENGLAND cricket legend David "Syd" Lawrence has died aged 61 following a battle with motor neurone disease. The ex-Gloucestershire star was the first British-born black cricketer to play for England. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 David 'Syd' Lawrence has died aged 61 Credit: PA 3 Lawrence was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year Credit: Getty The former fast bowler left an amazing legacy on the sport and was recently awarded an MBE in the King's birthday honours list. Lawrence, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last year, was incredibly proud to be honoured. He said last week: "It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name. "I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone." Following Lawrence's sad passing, a family statement said: "'Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed." The ECB have paid tribute to Lawrence, calling him a "pioneering" player who left an "indelible mark" on the sport in this country. ECB chair Richard Thompson said: "David 'Syd' Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. "His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes. As a fast bowler, he thrilled crowds with his pace and passion. As a leader and advocate, he broke barriers and inspired change, becoming a powerful voice for inclusion and representation in our sport. 3 England stars including Ben Stokes paid tribute to Lawrence Credit: Sky Sports "Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time." Lawrence played five test matches for England, only for his international career to be brutally cut short by a serious knee injury in 1992. He left an incredible mark on Gloucestershire, playing 280 matches for them over a 16-year span. Lawrence later returned to the club as president in 2022. Paying tribute to their legendary former fast bowler and executive, Gloucestershire wrote: "Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David 'Syd' Lawrence MBE, aged 61. "Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David's family during this terribly sad time." England star paid tribute to Lawrence ahead of today's match-up with India at Headingley. Stars including Ben Stokes took part in a minute's applause in honour of the cricket icon.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I'm a pet expert, these are the common garden essentials that could be KILLING your dog, you must act now
Our expert reveals when to seek help from a vet URGENT WARNING I'm a pet expert, these are the common garden essentials that could be KILLING your dog, you must act now WITH the UK enjoying hot weather this weekend, plenty of us will be spending more time outside in our garden. And as much as we want our furry friends to join us, dog owners are being warned of the potentially fatal things lurking on your plot. 1 Experts have revealed the common garden essentials that could be poisoning your dog Credit: Getty Many people spend more time gardening in the summer, using fertiliser to help their gardens bloom. But as Ross Hallifax, from pet insurance specialist Purely Pets, explains: 'Not only can dogs experience skin and foot irritation if they walk on fertiliser, but it can cause stomach upset if ingested due to its toxic ingredients like nitrogen and phosphorus.' But it's not just fertiliser that can cause a problem for our pooches. Used to help control unwanted garden visitors, both dry and wet pesticides can also be dangerous to your dog and irritate their skin and digestive system if consumed. Read More on Pets DOG DAYS Dog owners urged to avoid 'hidden danger' this week - check breeds most at risk Snail and slug bait can also be highly toxic and if consumed, can cause severe tremors. And for those refreshing their garden shed or outdoor space this summer, be careful of paint. Both the fumes released during painting, and the product itself, can be toxic to our pets due to its high-chemical content. If you suspect your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, look out for signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity or restlessness, tremors, seizures, or fits, or blood in the stool. Ross adds: 'If you suspect your dog has been exposed to any of these toxins, try to call your vet immediately and explain what's happened so they can help identify the best course of treatment.' Vet Dr Sarah-Jane Molier previously warned dog owners over fake grass as it can absorb heat, making it more likely a pup could be hurt. How to keep pets safe during a heatwave Dr Sarah-Jane Molier told Pets Radar: "Tarmac, asphalt and fake grass are the most common culprits. "They absorb heat throughout the day and retain it well, meaning they stay hot for quite some time." It may not always easy to tell when your dog has injured itself. Owners should look out for any limping or resting of one leg that switches between the two. Vet Dr. Rachel Siu reveals the 5 dogs she'd never own By Marsha O'Mahony HUSKY Beautiful, intelligent, and super-active, like a Border Collie, a Husky is a working dog and likes to keep busy. If you lead a sedentary life, then this guy is not for you, and you are not for him. It should be no surprise that Huskies love the cold - look at that coat of fur. So, living in 110 degrees in Texas is pretty grim for these dogs. DACHSHUND Adorable, cute, funny, and they can be very expensive. The basic physiology of these sausage dogs does them no favours. "Because of their long backs, they're really prone to intervertebral disc disease," said Dr. Rachel. You would be wise to keep a pot of money aside just in case because back surgery is likely to be expensive. GREAT DANE These lolloping, loving, and gregarious dogs are "goofballs." But they have short lifespans, developing health issues early on in life. Prepare yourself for heartbreak. DOODLE These are the current "it" dog, they are everywhere. They can be mixed with pretty much any other breed. Their popularity has soared in recent years, with pet owners attracted to their low maintenance and hypoallergenic qualities. But this couldn't be further from the truth, said our vet. "These dogs are often mixed with shedding dogs so they do shed and they also need grooming very frequently," she wrote. Their temperament is unpredictable and she has seen some that are wonderful to work with and others who have serious behavioral problems. BULLDOGS These guys are adorable but they have serious respiratory problems. Genetics are not on the side of any brachycephalic dog. "I just would not own them," she said. "They're just not a healthy breed. They struggle to breathe with their smooshed faces." Like the Dachshund, they also suffer from intervertebral disc disease. If your canine companion doesn't get excited for going on a walk, it could also be a sign. They will often lick or chew their wounded paws, and be hesitant to let you touch them. Some more obvious signs include patchy discolouration on the pads as well as blisters and peeling. If you think your dog has burned paws, take them to the vet.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Hunched over a laptop all day or sleeping funny? The 5 best exercises to ease stiff joints, banish pain and sleep better
Plus the most common causes - and when you must seek medical help SORE POINT Hunched over a laptop all day or sleeping funny? The 5 best exercises to ease stiff joints, banish pain and sleep better SITTING hunched over a laptop or sleeping funny leaving you feeling stiff? If getting out of bed or picking something up from the floor is making you say 'ooh' and 'ahhh', you'll likely benefit from some simple exercises you can do at home, at work, or in the gym. Advertisement 7 Staying agile will lessen joint pain, improve sleep and boost longevity Credit: Getty And mobilising your joints won't just make movement more comfortable; a study in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports says that being mobile is one of the secrets to longevity. Research by Deep Relief found that 62 per cent of Brits have faced sleepless nights because of muscle and joint pain. Housework, walking and even getting out of bed are parts of life that are affected by the affliction. The knees, back and shoulders are the most impacted areas, followed by fingers, ankles and feet. Advertisement Alasdair Nicoll, personal trainer and expert tutor at The Fitness Group, says the main cause of stiffness is lifestyle and occupation. He tells Sun Health: 'Those that lead a particularly sedentary lifestyle and work in an office setting can often be tighter through their hamstrings, which can lead to hip and upper back stiffness.' He adds that it's "incredibly important" for these individuals to warm up and stretch on a daily basis. This could be in the morning upon waking, or before bed. Advertisement If you work from home, you might prefer to break up your work day with some joint mobility. 'Stretching minimises the risk of dysfunctional movement patterns which can limit your range of motion and lead to more severe injuries,' says Alasdair. Back pain relief stretches Another reason for stiff joints is skipping the warm up before exercise - which loosens them up - and the cool down afterwards. Stretching after exercise prevents muscles from seizing up, which in turn stops joints from feeling stiff. Advertisement Here, Alasdair has pulled together five different exercises to help you loosen up stiff joints, so you can move with ease. They will also make sleep more comfortably and reduce pain, and you never know, they may even help you live to 100! Follow the repetition guidance below. And if you feel comfortable, or have more time, then feel free to hold the stretches for longer. Tight hips: Hip internal and external rotation 10 to 15 reps on each side. Advertisement Sit on the floor with your right leg out straight, slightly to the side, and the other leg bent so that your foot is flat on the floor. Place your hands on the floor behind you and lean back. Lower your bent knee down to the floor as though you are trying to touch your knee to your other knee (rotating the hip). Lower it as far as you can before raising it back up. You should feel a bit of a stretch on the inside of the leg and outside of your butt. Advertisement Aim to move slowly so that you really benefit from this stretch. Swap sides. 7 Start position for hip rotations Credit: Supplied 7 Lower the knee of the left leg down to the right, rotating the hip Credit: Supplied Tight shoulders: Shoulder flexion and extension 10 to 15 reps on each arm. Advertisement Stand upright with both arms down by your sides. Keep your arms straight and lift your left arm straight up above your head and as far back as you can. Swing the arm down until it goes behind you, while simultaneously lifting your right arm up. Keep repeating this until you've completed the allotted reps. Advertisement To deepen the stretch, gently pulse your high arm back slightly. 7 Swing your arms for a shoulder stretch Credit: Supplied Tight hips: Pigeon stretch 10 to 15 seconds on each side. A great stretch for tight hips, this can be done with equipment such as a bench or sofa, or it can be done on the floor. Advertisement Take your right leg and either place it - at a 90-degree angle - on the edge of a bench or on the ground. Your left leg should remain straight behind you. Keep a tall torso as you sink down into your hips. Gently lean forward slightly to deepen the stretch. 7 Use a bench or the floor for a pigeon stretch Credit: Supplied Advertisement Tight ankles and knees: Ankle flexion Hold for 10 to 15 seconds on each side. Aim for 3 reps on each side. Tight ankles can come about from running or other sports, as well as wearing heels for long periods of time. This movement is also good for knees. You'll need a stable bench or chair for this stretch. Place half of your right foot on your bench and press it into the bench. Advertisement Place your hands either side of your foot on the bench, making sure your left leg is straight behind you. Now, aim to push your right, front knee over your toe, keeping your torso upright as you do so. Alasdair says this is great for helping increase flexion in the ankle; if possible, aim to deepen the stretch as it becomes more comfortable. 7 For ankle flexion, lean your knee over your toe Credit: Supplied Advertisement Full body: World's greatest stretch 10 reps on each side. Alisdair says that this is called the 'world's greatest stretch' as it helps to stretch multiple joints at one time, including the hips, spine and shoulders. Get into a low lunge position with your back knee on the floor. Place your hands on the ground alongside your front foot. Advertisement Next, take the hand that's furthest from your foot out to the side, and lift it up to the ceiling, opening up your chest and following your hand with your gaze. Then lower it back down. Keep repeating this until you've completed the allotted reps on each side. 7 The 'world's greatest stretch' targets the whole body Credit: Supplied
