Game-changing. That's how breast cancer experts in New Zealand are describing the new use of an existing breast cancer drug.
Anastrozole is a form of hormone treatment that's used to lower the levels of oestrogen in the blood. It's largely prescribed for post-menopausal women who have a hormone-dependent type of cancer.
This month the UK's National Health Service (NHS) announced the drug has been licensed for use as a preventative measure - a move that it said could benefit tens of thousands of women.
Its announcement came as research was also published that showed the drug had the potential to half the risk of breast cancer among women, post-menopause, who are deemed at medium - to high risk of the disease. This includes women who have a family history of the disease or may have a genetic predisposition.
Director of Centre for Cancer Research at the University of Auckland Professor Andrew Shelling says the research was robust and had potential to be applied here.
"It's really exciting to see Anastrozole could be considered a preventative drug... it can prevent breast cancer in women with a strong family history of cancer it's really exciting research."
He'd like to see New Zealand follow in the UK's footsteps.
"It would be great if we could do this in New Zealand, there are many living with a family history of breast cancer, this could potentially save many lives."
Breast Cancer Foundation research manager Adele Gautier says it's interesting to see the NHS be proactive about encouraging women who were at risk to take the drug.
"This is a change in strategy, which I think is really interesting," she says.
She says in New Zealand around 3,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
"It's by far the most common cancer, and it's the biggest cause of death for women under 65. Anything we can do to reduce that should be considered."
Pharmac does fund Anastrazole in New Zealand and Medsafe has approved its use as a treatment for breast cancer.
"Medsafe has not, at this stage received an application from the pharmaceutical company for it to be approved as a preventative measure," a spokesperson for the medical regulatory body.
But in a statement they said under the Medicines Act "authorised healthcare professionals can choose to prescribe an unapproved medicine if they think their patient will benefit from it".
Gautier says there's nothing to stop doctors from using it, but she says the uptake has been low.
"I think some women who have a strong family history and are worried about their risk, this would be one of the options open to them to think about."
But the drug is not without its side-effects, which include hot flushes, joint pain, and night sweats.
She says anyone who is interested in learning more about whether this is an option for them should talk to their GP or health specialist.
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