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Breast Cancer Prevention Drug Anastrozole to be Offered to Almost 300,000 Women in England

Anastrozole, the newly licensed drug that has previously been used to treat breast cancer, is now set to be offered as a preventative measure to high-risk postmenopausal women in England, potentially preventing 8,000 cases of disease and saving the NHS £15 million.

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Overview

  • Anastrozole, a drug previously used to treat breast cancer, has now been licensed to prevent the disease, and will be offered to nearly 300,000 high-risk postmenopausal women in England, potentially preventing 8,000 cases.
  • The drug works by reducing the amount of hormone oestrogen produced using an enzyme known as aromatase. It will be eligible for women with a family history of breast cancer or faulty genes that increase their risk.
  • Studies indicate anastrozole can almost halve the chances of developing breast cancer if taken daily for five years. The drug's original license has been extended to be used as a preventative measure.
  • The drug is now licensed for prevention after the NHS England established a new 'Medicines Repurposing Programme' to make full use of existing medicines in new ways. The drug is predicted to save the NHS £15 million in treatment costs.
  • Anastrozole is off-patent, making it cost-efficient for the NHS. This new approach of repurposing drugs could pave the way for similar measures for other diseases and increase overall accessibility to preventative medication.