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Novartis' Femara found to be most effective for breast cancer

Date published: 29/12/2005

A major study has found that the breast cancer drug Fermara (letrozole), manufactured by Novartis, may give many women a better chance of beating the disease. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), showed that Femara demonstrated a significant advantage in disease-free survival versus tamoxifen when used after surgery (adjuvant) in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer.

The results were particularly impressive for women at higher risk - with around one third less chance of disease returning in women in this group taking Femara, compared with those taking 'gold standard' tamoxifen

Because of the successful results of the study the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has now approved Femara, three months earlier than expected, for the adjuvant (post surgery) treatment of early breast cancer.

"These results are fantastic news and give hope to women with breast cancer - especially those at high risk of their cancer recurring" said Nigel Bundred, professor in surgical oncology, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester.

"They show that Femara is more effective than tamoxifen when given to women after surgery and offers even greater advantages to these particularly vulnerable women."

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