Alzheimer’s Drugs Proposed for Breast Cancer Patients

Over 30 per cent of female breast cancer patients experience a recurrence The current National Cancer Research Institute conference has seen the unveiling of new methods by which breast cancer can be both controlled and treated. As showcased by scientists working at the University of Manchester, studies conducted there have highlighted the potential use of an Alzheimer’s drug in patients with breast cancer. This, they believe, may prevent the disease from reoccurring.

The drug involved is known for its ability to fight against the Notch gene, which encourages cancer cells.

Over 30 per cent of female breast cancer patients in whom treatment is successful unfortunately experience a recurrence of the disease, due to the fact some of the cancerous cells remain in place.

The team of researchers is headed by Dr Robert Clarke. Their hope at this stage is that, should the Alzheimer’s drug be used to fight recurrences of breast cancer, its clinical trial will be able to be fast-tracked – given that it has already undergone health/safety assessment in respect of dementia patients.

Highlighting the virtues of the research, Dr Clarke stated: "Our work has revealed the importance of several pathways not previously known to regulate stem cell survival and self-renewal, which is tremendously exciting."

The news, which Pharmaceutical International hopes to elaborate on as more facts emerge, follows last week’s announcement made by the University of Bolton’s Centre for Research and Innovation. This focused on the production of a specialised bra which will allow those wearing it to pick up on signs of cancer early on in its development.

The university is aiming to get its new design into production by 2009.

Also last week, new research undertaken at Aberdeen University suggested that breast cancer patients may not need to undergo lengthy and unnecessary treatment. The scientists there have discovered two genes capable of identifying the cells which would respond successfully to chemotherapy drugs – possibly paving the way for individualised breast cancer treatments.

Source – Pharmaceutical International’s Research and Development Analyst