MHRA Greenlights New Breast Cancer Drug Capivasertib
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has given the nod to capivasertib (Truqap) for patients battling advanced hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. This new treatment targets tumours with abnormal PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN genes and works when other hormonal therapies have failed.
How Capivasertib Works: Targeting Cancer’s Growth Engine
Capivasertib belongs to a class of drugs called AKT inhibitors. These block ATK kinase proteins, which fuel cancer cell growth and spread. By shutting down these proteins, the drug slows cancer progression and helps destroy tumour cells.
Patients take capivasertib alongside fulvestrant, a hormone therapy already used for advanced breast cancer. The treatment involves 400mg of capivasertib twice daily for four days, followed by a three-day break—cycled continuously.
Trial Results Show Promising Progress
Approval came after a major trial with 708 patients, including 289 whose tumours had those specific genetic mutations. Those on capivasertib saw cancer progression delayed by an average of 7.3 months, more than doubling the 3.1 months for patients on placebo—all combined with fulvestrant.
Side Effects to Know
Common side effects include:
- High blood sugar
- Diarrhoea
- Rashes and skin reactions
- Urinary tract infections
- Low haemoglobin
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Mouth sores, itching, tiredness
This new drug brings fresh hope for those with tough-to-treat breast cancer, offering a valuable new weapon in the fight against the disease.
