Breakthrough Breast Cancer and AstraZeneca, with the Institute of Cancer Research unveil results of trial into new cancer fighting drug Olaparib.

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), together with the Royal Marsden Hospital and AstraZeneca, have completed a phase I trial of a new cancer drug, Olaparib, with promising results.

Patients with inherited forms of advanced breast, ovarian and prostate cancers – caused by mutations in the BRCA 1 and 2 genes – were treated with a new drug, Olaparib. The first phase of trials has had positive results and in more than half of patients, tumours shrank or stabilised.

One of the first patients to receive the treatment is still in remission after two years, and according to the ICR, very few side-effects have been felt by the trial patients.  

ICR Scientist and joint lead researcher Professor Stan Kaye said: “This is a very important drug for the treatment of BRCA 1/2-related cancer.

“The next step is to test this drug on other more common types of ovarian and breast cancers where we hope it will be just as effective.”

Professor Alan Ashworth, Director of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre at the ICR developed the idea of targeting defects in DNA repair in cancer. He said: “We are delighted that the work we did in the lab has been translated so quickly into potential benefit for patients.

“However, this drug is still at an early stage of development and further clinical trials are necessary to fully evaluate its potential.”

A phase II clinical trial is underway and is being spearheaded by Dr Andrew Tutt, Director of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Kings College London Research Unit and Guy’s Hospital.