NHS approves ‘life-saving’ AstraZeneca drug for breast cancer

Hundreds of breast cancer patients in England could benefit from a breakthrough targeted therapy, following an NHS commercial deal with AstraZeneca.

The drug targets cancer patients with the BRCA gene, also known as the “Jolie gene” after Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie opted for a double mastectomy in 2013 after testing positive for the gene.

Olaparib works by stopping cancer cells from being able to repair their DNA by blocking a molecule called PARP, which causes the cancerous cells to die.

Around 300 women with HER2-negative early breast cancer who are at high risk of the disease returning, will be eligible for this new drug each year in England.

Clinical trials showed that giving olaparib after chemotherapy reduced the relative risk of the disease returning within four years by nearly a third.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) opted last year not to recommend olaparib for breast cancer patients because of its high cost. But after NHS England negotiated a commercial deal with AstraZeneca, the watchdog has reversed its decision.

Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive, said the landmark deal is incredible news for patients and their families.

“Olaparib could have a huge impact on patients with a range of cancer types, giving many a better chance of survival while offering those with advanced forms of the disease precious extra months to live.”

Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now, said: “It’s fantastic news that olaparib, which is a ground-breaking and potentially life-saving treatment for certain people with primary breast cancer, has now been approved for use on the NHS.

“Around five to ten per cent of women with breast cancer carry an inherited altered gene of which the BRCA 1 and 2 genes are the most common. Sadly, some people with high-risk, HER2 negative primary breast cancer with an altered BRCA gene – often known as the ‘Jolie gene’ – may see their cancer return following treatment.

“Crucially, olaparib can reduce the risk of people’s cancer returning or progressing to incurable secondary breast cancer and stop people dying from this devastating disease”.

Health Minister, Helen Whately, added: “For hundreds of people with cancer and their families, today offers the hope of more precious time with loved ones.

“We are committed to providing world-class cancer care to patients and are always working together with clinicians to find new, cutting-edge treatments.”

David Brocklehurst, head of oncology at AstraZeneca UK, said: “We know how devastating a diagnosis of either of these hard-to-treat, aggressive cancers can be, for patients and their loved ones. Until now, treatment options for cancers resulting from BRCA mutations have been extremely limited.

“The availability of olaparib, a treatment discovered and developed in the UK, makes us extremely proud.

“Treatment innovations such as these underscore our bold long-term ambition to eliminate cancer as a cause of death”.