Breakthrough Breast Cancer Pill Now Available on NHS: A Lifeline for Thousands of Women in England and Wales

Thousands of women in England and Wales with advanced breast cancer will soon access a groundbreaking twice-daily pill on the NHS. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) reversed its earlier decision, approving capivasertib (brand name Truqap) for patients with specific genetic mutations. Experts estimate up to 3,000 women annually could benefit from this treatment, calling it a “landmark moment” in cancer care.


What Is Capivasertib and How Does It Work?

Capivasertib, developed by AstraZeneca, targets hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer that has spread and carries mutations in the PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN genes. These genetic changes occur in roughly half of patients with this breast cancer subtype.

The drug works by blocking an abnormal protein called AKT, which fuels cancer growth. By inhibiting AKT, capivasertib slows or stops cancer cells from multiplying, buying patients more time before the disease progresses.


Why This Approval Matters

Initially rejected by Nice, the drug’s approval follows pressure from patients and advocacy groups. Claire Rowney, CEO of Breast Cancer Now, praised the reversal but stressed the need for faster drug approvals in the future. “Delays cost lives,” she said. “We urge NHS England to prioritize genetic testing so eligible patients can start treatment without delay.”

Clinical trials showed promising results:

• Patients taking capivasertib combined with hormone therapy (fulvestrant) saw their cancer progression delayed by 7.3 months, compared to 3.1 months for those on placebo plus fulvestrant.
• This 4.2-month improvement offers precious time for patients and families, allowing them to plan and enjoy life while managing the disease.
  
  
  Expert Reactions: A Decades-Long Journey
  
  Prof. Nicholas Turner of the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, who led key trials, called the approval “transformative.” He emphasized that patients with specific biomarkers now have a “targeted treatment to keep their cancer from progressing longer.”
  
  Prof. Paul Workman, former ICR CEO and part of the AKT drug discovery team, shared his pride in seeing years of research translate to real-world impact. “This drug will improve the lives of thousands,” he said.
  
  
  Next Steps: Access and Genetic Testing
  
  For patients to qualify, genetic testing is essential to confirm the presence of PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN mutations. Breast Cancer Now urges NHS England to streamline these tests to avoid delays. The Scottish Medicines Consortium is also under pressure to review the drug swiftly, ensuring equal access across the UK.
  
  Helen Knight, Nice’s director of medicines evaluation, highlighted collaboration with AstraZeneca to ensure the drug is both effective and cost-efficient for the NHS. “We listened to patients’ stories and recognized the urgent need for this treatment,” she said.
  
  
  Patient Impact: More Time and Hope
  
  Advanced breast cancer, also known as metastatic or stage 4 breast cancer, means the disease has spread to other organs. While incurable, treatments like capivasertib aim to prolong life and maintain quality of life.
  
  For patients like Sarah Thompson (name changed), a 45-year-old mother of two diagnosed three years ago, the drug offers renewed hope. “Extra months mean more birthdays, school plays, and memories with my kids,” she said. “This approval is a lifeline.”
  
  
  The Road Ahead: Faster Approvals, Broader Access
  
  The reversal by Nice underscores ongoing challenges in drug approval processes. Advocacy groups argue that bureaucratic delays hinder access to life-extending treatments. Rowney stressed, “We need systemic changes so that future breakthroughs reach patients faster.”
  
  Meanwhile, researchers continue exploring capivasertib’s potential for other cancers. Early studies suggest it could be effective against ovarian, prostate, and lung cancers with similar genetic profiles.
  
  
  How to Support Breast Cancer Research
  
  Patients and families can contribute by:
  1. Participating in awareness campaigns.
  2. Donating to charities like Breast Cancer Now.
  3. Advocating for policy changes to accelerate drug approvals.
  
  
  Final Thoughts
  
  The NHS’s approval of capivasertib marks a pivotal step in personalized cancer care. By targeting specific genetic mutations, this drug exemplifies the future of oncology—treatments tailored to individual patients’ needs.
  
  While challenges remain in ensuring timely access, this decision brings hope to thousands of families. As research advances, the dream of turning advanced breast cancer into a manageable chronic condition grows closer to reality.
  
  For more information on eligibility or genetic testing, consult your oncologist or visit Breast Cancer Now’s official website.