Experts find better drug for breast cancer

A PARTICULAR chemotherapy drug has been found to give breast cancer patients a better quality of life without reducing their chances of survival, according to scientists.

Experts carried out a largescale study to compare capecitabine with an alternative treatment known as CMF.

Both were

taken

after another chemotherapy drug, named epirubicin.

The researchers – at the Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre and The Institute of Cancer Research in London – found that those patients taking capecitabine had fewer side effects and a better quality of life, and it was as effective at preventing the cancer’s return as CMF.

Cancer Research UK, which revealed details of the study, said most patients experienced some side effects, regardless of the treatment they were given.

However, those taking CMF, a chemotherapy combination treatment, were more likely to experience severe side effects such as early menopause, nausea, infection, thrombosis and anaemia, the scientists concluded.

Professor David Cameron, clinical director of the Cancer Research UK Edinburgh centre and director of cancer services in NHS Lothian, said: “Using patient-reported data was extremely valuable because we could learn what patients find tolerable. This new approach may benefit a range of patients, including younger women who want to preserve their fertility.” IT is The Herald’s policy to correct errors as soon as we can and all corrections and clarifications will usually appear on this page.

The Herald adheres to the Editors’ Code of Practice (see www.ipso.co.uk). We are regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso).

Complaints about stories should be referred firstly to the Editor at complaints@theherald. co.uk or by post, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow G2 3QB.

If a resolution cannot be reached, contact Ipso at inquiries@ipso.co.uk or by post at Ipso, Gate House, 1 Farringdon Street,London EC4M 7LG.