A groundbreaking new breast cancer drug, capivasertib, has been approved for routine use on the NHS, marking what experts are calling a “landmark moment” in British medical science. The drug, which is taken as a twice-daily pill, has been shown to double the time patients live without their tumours growing — a significant advancement for those living with advanced forms of breast cancer. But the cancer must be detected in time. If there are delays in detection then the outcomes may not be as positive hence the need to instruct expert solicitors who can investigate if a claim can be made, see later.
A Major Milestone for British Science and Breast Cancer Treatment
Capivasertib, developed by AstraZeneca in collaboration with researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, is the first treatment of its kind. It works by targeting and blocking the AKT protein, a molecule that drives the growth of cancer cells.
Approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), this drug is set to benefit around 1,100 women each year in the UK, particularly those diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer — the most common type of advanced breast cancer.
This approval follows a clinical trial where capivasertib, combined with hormone therapy fulvestrant, more than doubled progression-free survival in comparison to fulvestrant alone. Tumour shrinkage was also observed in nearly 25% of patients receiving the new treatment.
Who Can Benefit from the Breast Cancer Treatment?
The treatment is especially effective for tumours carrying specific genetic mutations — PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN — which are found in around 50% of patients with this type of cancer. With expanded genetic testing, it’s expected that up to 3,000 patients per year could benefit from capivasertib.
Professor Nicholas Turner of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, who led the trial, emphasised the importance of testing patients for these mutations to ensure they are offered the new treatment when eligible.
A Life-Changing Development for Patients
For many women, capivasertib offers a second chance. Elen Hughes, a 54-year-old patient from Anglesey, described the drug as a “gamechanger” after traditional treatments had failed. Not only has it helped reduce her cancer markers by 50%, but it has also done so without side effects, allowing her to continue living her life with energy and hope.
“I feel so well. It has given me hope. I would like to get at least two good years out of it,” she said.
The Importance of Timely Diagnosis
While this new treatment represents a major step forward, it also highlights a sobering reality: early detection remains critical. Capivasertib is intended for those with advanced-stage cancer that has already spread and stopped responding to other treatments.
Unfortunately, too many breast cancer cases are diagnosed late — whether due to missed screenings, delays in GP referrals, or failures in recognising early warning signs. In such cases, treatment options can be more limited, and outcomes potentially worse.
Can You Claim Compensation for a Delayed Breast Cancer Diagnosis?
If you or a loved one has experienced a delay in the diagnosis of breast cancer — especially if it led to the cancer progressing to an advanced stage — you may be entitled to compensation. Clinical negligence claims can provide financial support to help with loss of income, care needs, and future treatment costs.
To find out more, visit our dedicated page on delayed breast cancer diagnosis claim. Our expert solicitors are here to offer advice, support and legal representation with compassion and clarity.
Source: Breakthrough breast cancer drug approved for NHS — The Times
