Context:

A groundbreaking trial led by Addenbrookes Hospital has shown that the drug olaparib significantly improves survival rates for patients with inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations who have early-stage breast cancer. Administered before surgery, olaparib drastically reduced the recurrence of cancer, with all participants surviving over three years compared to six deaths in a control group. This trial involved 39 women across 23 sites in the UK and could potentially benefit over 1,200 patients annually if a larger trial confirms these results. The findings, described as 'really exciting' by lead researcher Prof. Jean Abraham, may also be applicable to other BRCA-related cancers such as ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. The trial, which opens new treatment possibilities, was funded by Cancer Research UK and AstraZeneca, and supported by various research centers and trusts.

Dive Deeper:

• The trial involved 39 women with early-stage breast cancer who inherited BRCA mutations, taking olaparib before surgery, resulting in a 100% survival rate at 36 months, contrasting with six deaths in the control group of 45 women who did not receive olaparib.

• Olaparib, administered as a tablet, functions by inhibiting a protein called PARP, disrupting cancer cells' DNA repair mechanisms, leading to their death, and offers a promising new approach to treating BRCA-related cancers.

• Jackie Van Bochoven, a participant with a strong family history of breast cancer and a BRCA1 mutation, reported being cancer-free six years post-diagnosis, highlighting the trial's potential impact on future generations with inherited gene mutations.

• Prof. Jean Abraham highlighted the trial's 'exciting' results, noting the potential for a major shift in clinical practice if a larger, multinational trial involving around 600 patients replicates these findings.

• Olaparib's pre-surgery administration, at half the dose over 12 weeks, could significantly reduce treatment costs for the NHS compared to the current year-long post-surgery administration.

• Michelle Mitchell of Cancer Research UK emphasized the trial's potential to offer patients more time with loved ones, while Prof. Abraham noted the relevance of the findings to a smaller number of men with BRCA mutations.

• The trial, supported by Cancer Research UK, AstraZeneca, and various research institutions, represents a significant advancement in the treatment of aggressive, inherited breast cancers, with potential applications for other BRCA-related cancers.