New drug can help stop certain breast cancer tumours early, trial shows

A new drug can help stop certain breast cancer tumours before they grow, experts say.
A trial called Serena-6 shows that camizestrant stops cancer cells from using hormones to grow, which helps patients stay well longer and delays the need for chemotherapy.
It is the first worldwide study to show that using blood tests to find early signs of cancer resistance to treatment helps patients, scientists say.
The study looked at patients who had hormone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, which is about 70% of cases.
The results of the Serena-6 trial represent more than a clinical milestone, they represent a transformational shift in how we approach precision medicine
Results showed patients given camizestrant reduced their chances of cancer progression by 56%, compared with just standard therapies.
Doctors used a simple blood test to spot changes in the cancer's DNA that show whether current treatments might soon stop working.
When they found these signs, some patients were given camizestrant, while others stayed on their usual treatment.
Those on camizestrant had their cancer stay the same and not get worse for much longer, 16 months on average, compared with about nine months for the others.
The drug was safe for most patients but 1% stopped taking it because of side effects.
More than 3,000 patients from 23 countries took part in the study, which was funded by AstraZeneca and co-led by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research in London.
This study is a clear example of how blood tests are starting to transform cancer treatment
Co-principal investigator Professor Nick Turner, group leader in molecular oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said the drug is 'a pivotal moment in breast cancer care'.
Professor Kristian Helin, chief executive of The Institute of Cancer Research said: 'The results of the Serena-6 trial represent more than a clinical milestone, they represent a transformational shift in how we approach precision medicine.'
The Serena-6 trial results were to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago on Sunday.
Dr Catherine Elliott, director of research at Cancer Research UK, said: 'This study is a clear example of how blood tests are starting to transform cancer treatment.
'By tracking tiny traces of tumour DNA in the blood, researchers were able to spot early signs of treatment resistance and switch therapies before cancer had a chance to grow.
'It shows how circulating tumour DNA, or ctDNA, could help doctors make smarter, more timely treatment decisions.
'This approach could become an important part of how we personalise care for people with advanced breast cancer.'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Irish Sun

2 days ago

• The Irish Sun

Urgent warning over drug taken by millions – as AstraZeneca accused of ‘misreporting' safety data

MEDICS have raised concerns over a drug taken by millions to prevent heart attacks and strokes, claiming key safety data was "misreported" by its manufacturer AstraZeneca. Anti-clotting pill ticagrelor has been available on the NHS in 2011, after trials appeared to show it could prevent one in five deaths after a heart attack. 1 A BMJ investigation has raised concerns over clinical trials that spurred on the approval of ticagrelor, sold as Brilique But Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medicine that prevents blood cells from sticking together and The twice-daily pill is prescribed to patients with acute coronary syndrome who are at greater risk of blood clots due to a history of In the UK, the drug is prescribed around 45,000 times per month on the NHS. Read more on medication Now, experts claim to have uncovered "evidence of serious misreporting" in two clinical trials that were pivotal to the drug's approval in the UK and US. These findings raise "doubts over the approval and decade long use of ticagrelor", sold as Brilique in the UK, the report authors wrote in the BMJ . In response, an AstraZeneca spokesperson told Sun Health: 'We are confident in the integrity of the trials and its evidence in support for Brilique.' Two AstraZeneca studies, known as ONSET/OFFSET and RESPOND, were published in the leading journal Circulation , reporting the drug's effects on platelet function. Most read in Uncategorized The ONSET/OFFSET trial involved 123 patients and found that ticagrelor was faster and better at preventing clots than a competitor drug. Similar results were published in RESPOND, which involved 98 patients. Early warning sign of heart attack you may notice in bed But the report authors claimed claimed 'primary endpoint' results in the two key trials - which were pivotal in determining the treatment's effectiveness - were inaccurately reported in Circulation . "We found evidence that the trials were inaccurately reported," they said. "In one instance, AstraZeneca's trial failed to show statistical significance, but was published in a leading cardiology journal as significant." It also said around a quarter of the readings from machines used in the trials were not included in the data sets, the US medicine's regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used to approve the drug. In order for ticagrelor to get approved, clinical trials had to prove that it was a better drug than competitors in a phase 3 trial. After phase 3 and drug approval, the FDA and MHRA in the UK, continues monitoring it in phase 4 trials, to see if there are any additional problems with the drug. But the BMJ analysis of two phase 2 trial results found there were instances of patients whose blood "platelet aggregation dramatically increased". This is when blood cells stick together to form clumps, which can lead to blood clots - exactly what the drug aims to prevent. Key facts about ticagrelor Ticagrelor is an antiplatelet medicine that prevents platelets - a type of blood cell - from sticking together and forming a dangerous blood clot. Taking ticagrelor can help prevent blood clots if you have an increased risk of having them because you: Have had a heart attack Have unstable angina Have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic stroke (TIA, or mini-stroke) Ticagrelor is only available on prescription. You'll usually take ticagrelor twice a day and it's often prescribed together with low-dose aspirin at the start of treatment. The main side effects of ticagrelor are getting out of breath and bleeding more easily than normal. You may have nosebleeds, heavier periods, bleeding gums and bruising. According to medicines watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), patients are advised to take the drug twice a day at 90mg for around a year after a heart attack. A lower dose of 60mg, may then be prescribed by doctors for up to a further three years. It may also be taken by those who have suffered a minor stroke or a transient ischaemic attack at 90mg alongside aspirin. Sources: NHS, NICE This is "an improbable effect for an anti-platelet drug" and "suggests an incorrect laboratory reading", the BMJ said. Assessing the readings from platelet machines used at the two trial sites, led by cardiologist Dr Paul Gurbel, investigators also found more than 60 of the 282 readings were not included in datasets submitted to the FDA. "The platelet activity levels not entered were significantly higher than those used in the Circulation papers and FDA datasets," they claimed. "It is unclear whose blood was sampled, and why those measurements did not contribute to data in either trial." The report authors conducted their investigation through interviews with trial investigators and platelet experts and access to the underlying trial data submitted to regulators. They also said that principal investigators involved in ticagrelor trials "were unreachable or declined to be interviewed". "The findings raise even deeper questions over the approval and decade long use of the drug," the authors claimed. Dr Victor Serebruany, an expert in cardiovascular pharmacology at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, who has been critical of the drug for over a decade said: "It's been obvious for years that there is something wrong with the data. "That the FDA's leadership could look past all these problems- on top of the many problems their own reviewers identified and are now being discovered by The BMJ - is unconscionable. "We all need to know how and why that happened. "If doctors had known what happened in these trials, they would never have started using ticagrelor." But a spokesperson for the Sinai Center for Thrombosis Research and Drug Development, which Dr Gurbel leads, told Sun Health has also contacted Circulation for comment. The journal did not respond to the BMJ . How to reduce your risk of heart attacks and stroke You can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke with many of the same methods. Heart attacks and strokes, although affecting different organs of the body, are both what we call cardiovascular events. Both arise from similar underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis —a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes are largely the same: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. Therefore, addressing these risk factors can simultaneously reduce the risk of both conditions. Here are ways you can prevent the two: Healthy diet More fruit and veg: The DASH, which emphasises fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health. Less fats: Too much saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of atherosclerosis. Go for healthier fats like those found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Limit salt: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. The NHS recommends no more than 6g of salt per day for adults. Fibre: Foods high in soluble fibre, such as oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels. Exercise Walking, running, cycling, swimming - whatever you like, do it! Aerobic exercise can strengthen the heart and improve circulation. The NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Strength training exercises can help control weight, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. It is recommended twice a week by the NHS. Manage blood pressure Healthy diet and exercise can help keep your blood pressure in check. But it is worth monitoring it yourself after the age of 40, at least, when the NHS invites adults for a check-up every five years. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Quit smoking One of the best ways to quit smoking is to use resources provided by NHS Smokefree. Support groups, medications, and other tools to help quit smoking such as vapes could be what you need to kick the habit for good - and it's free. Limit booze Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, which can snowball and become a heart health risk. The NHS recommends not regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week.

Irish Independent

15-06-2025

• Irish Independent

Wexford duo shine at Bord Bia Bloom 2025 launch

Today at 03:00 Gorey brother and sister George and Hannah Power-Nugent were the star attraction last week as the Marie Keating Foundation unveiled its garden at Bord Bia Bloom 2025. The Marie Keating Foundation unveiled its 'Early Bird Catches the Worm' Garden at Bord Bia Bloom 2025 and was awarded a silver-gilt. The garden was designed and built by award-winning Monaghan-based creative designer Benny Magennis. George (3) and Hannah (1), from Gorey, provided a star turn at the launch, playing the bird and the worm respectively. Designed by award-winning, Monaghan-based gardener Benny Magennis, this thoughtfully designed space serves as a reminder that through education and proactive measures, we can work towards a future with less fear surrounding cancer. This being his fourth time at Bord Bia Bloom, Benny explains why this garden is particularly meaningful: 'The Marie Keating Foundation provides such vital services to those going through a cancer journey, and this was top of my mind when I was designing and developing the garden. I wanted to make sure it reflected the key educational and awareness messages, while also offering a sense of community.' 'This can be seen throughout the garden – from the birdhouse reflecting the importance of early detection, to the flowers representing Ireland's five most common cancers, breast, skin, lung, bowl and prostate.' Every element of the garden was designed to highlight the importance of healthy lifestyle choices that reduce cancer risk. The sheltered area beneath the birdhouse promotes sun safety awareness, while the vegetable patch represents the significance of nutrition. The paths encourage people to engage in outdoor activities as part of a healthy lifestyle and the seating area symbolises the community support provided by the Marie Keating Foundation for those on a cancer journey. The garden represents a collaboration between the Marie Keating Foundation, AstraZeneca and Gilead Sciences, who are united in their mission to combat cancer through widespread awareness. Their joint aim is to encourage early intervention to significantly enhance treatment outcomes and ultimately save lives.

RTÉ News​

03-06-2025

• RTÉ News​

Exercise may reduce risk of cancer returning, study shows

An international cancer study has found that exercise can have huge benefits for cancer patients and can even reduce the risk of the disease returning. The results were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference in Chicago at the weekend, and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Among those attending the expert gathering was Professor Janice Walshe, medical oncologist at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin. She called the study an "incredibly strong finding", saying "it adds to the literatures that suggests that exercise is really important in keeping ourselves well." The study examined nearly 890 patients who had high risk colon cancers (stage 2 or stage 3) and was completed in 55 locations, including in countries such as the US, France and Australia. All patients had completed chemotherapy treatments and were put into one of two groups. One group was given structured, supervised exercise sessions with a personal trainer and the other was just given a booklet outlining the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. The first group did 45 to 60 minute walks three or four times a week and could do more if they chose. Twice a month they worked with a personal trainer and then later once a month for a total of three years. After eight years, the patients in the first group had a 37% lower risk of dying than those in the second group. Prof Walshe said it was important to note that all these patients had already received chemotherapy. "So, this intervention is not a substitute for drugs that we know already reduce the risk of people dying from different various cancers," Prof Walsh said. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Prof Walshe said she felt that some newspaper headlines about the study were "misleading." "I think what they're trying to say is that the magnitude of benefit we have seen with this intervention, of an exercise programme, is the type of reductions we've seen with many of our new drugs. "But this is not a drug substitute," Prof Walshe said. "This is on top of you receiving the best drugs in the market to reduce the risk of disease recurrence." Prof Walshe said there is a "huge amount of Irish research" at this year's American Society of Clinical Oncology conference. "The consultants who travel here are all networking with various research groups to bring these trials home to Ireland and obviously the best approaches in terms of managing our cancer in our Irish patients," she said. "We already have exercise programmes ongoing in various parts of the country that are free of charge, because we believe exercise is really important in terms of, one, reducing risk of disease recurrence and, two, increasing people's confidence," she added.