Scientists have started a new trial to offer hope for those suffering from incurable breast cancer.
They are currently studying whether talazoparib (also known as Talzenna) may be a new treatment for people suffering from incurable breast cancer.
Secondary breast cancer is also known as metastatic cancer. It occurs when the cancer spreads from the breast to other areas of the body and becomes incurable. It claimed Sarah Harding, a Girls Aloud singer,'s life last month.
Breast Cancer Now funded the new trial. It will allow researchers to assess whether talazoparib can help patients with terminal breast cancer. PARP inhibitors are drugs that prevent cancer cells from repairing and force them to die.
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, will use breast cancer cells and tumours donated by patients to test whether talazoparib is an effective treatment for secondary breast cancer. Additional tests on mice and models mimicking the brain's protective system will be done.
Our research has shown in many cases that secondary breast cancer tumors in the brain are susceptible to PARP inhibitor drugs such as talazoparib. Prof Leonie Young is one of the co-leads on the research team.
Natalie Woodford, 57 years old, was diagnosed in 2017 with secondary breast cancer and welcomed the start of the research.
She said that it was very encouraging to hear about the new secondary breast-cancer research. I am hopeful that this study will prove to be a success, and provide new treatment options for women like myself in the future.
Dr Simon Vincent, director for research, support, and influencing at Breast Cancer Now added: There are approximately 35,000 women in the UK living with incurable breast cancer. The fear and uncertainty surrounding when this deadly disease will strike can make their lives miserable.
This incurable disease is so urgently needed to be treated.
