Dr Simon Vincent, director of research, support and influencing at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“Around 61,000 people are estimated to be living with secondary breast cancer in the UK which, although currently incurable, can be treated to slow the spread of the disease and improve quality of life.
"These exciting findings indicate that camizestrant could be an effective treatment option for people with HR-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer with ESR1 gene changes, giving these people with secondary breast cancer more time before the disease gets worse.
“This clinical trial also shows that using a blood test to guide treatment at the right time can help these people stay well for longer and delay the need for chemotherapy.
“Our Breast Cancer Now-funded scientists have been pioneering research into these blood tests, or liquid biopsies, for over a decade, and we're incredibly proud that our researchers are now part of the first global-scale study showing how these tests can benefit breast cancer patients.
“We are pleased to see these results look forward to seeing them tested in more people with breast cancer. We encourage anyone affected by breast cancer to speak to Breast Cancer Now’s expert nurses by calling our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 6000.”
ENDS