Capivasertib (Truqap), a groundbreaking oral medication developed by AstraZeneca, has been approved for use on the NHS in England and Wales to treat advanced hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. This twice-daily pill targets the AKT protein, which promotes cancer cell growth, and is particularly effective for patients with specific genetic mutations such as PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN. Clinical trials have demonstrated that when combined with the hormone therapy fulvestrant, capivasertib can extend the time before disease progression from 3.1 to 7.3 months, offering a significant improvement for patients whose cancer has become resistant to existing treatments .
The approval of capivasertib follows extensive research by the Institute of Cancer Research in London and is considered a significant advancement in personalized cancer treatment. It is expected to benefit up to 3,000 women annually, especially those whose cancer has become resistant to existing treatments. Healthcare experts emphasize the importance of rapid genetic testing to identify eligible patients promptly, ensuring timely access to this innovative therapy .
