In response to interim findings from the NATALEE trial presented at ASCO on Friday 2nd June, 2023, Dr Kotryna Temcinaite, head of research communications at Breast Cancer Now, said:
“These positive results show the drug ribociclib (Kisqali), which is already used to treat certain patients with incurable secondary (metastatic) breast cancer, may also benefit some women with primary (early) breast cancer.
“The drug targets specific proteins that help cancer cells multiply, and by blocking them it can slow down or stop the cancer from growing. Researchers found that when combined with hormone therapy, ribociclib significantly reduced the chances of the disease returning in women with oestrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative primary breast cancer.
“We know many women and their loved ones worry about breast cancer returning after treatment so new treatments like ribociclib, which can reduce this risk, are incredibly welcome.
“This treatment must now be swiftly submitted for licensing, and assessed for use on the NHS, so this group of primary breast cancer patients have the chance to benefit from it as soon as possible.
"Anyone affected by breast cancer can speak to Breast Cancer Now’s expert nurses by calling our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 for information and support.”
ENDS