A TWICE-a-day pill which slows or stops the most common type of advanced breast cancer has been approved for use on the NHS.

Scientists say it is a “landmark moment” as up to 3,000 women a year could benefit from AstraZeneca’s Truqap — also called capivasertib.

Prof Nicholas Turner, who led the drug trial, said: “Thousands can now receive this innovative targeted treatment to keep their cancer from progressing for longer.”

“It’s an immensely rewarding moment to see this drug provide patients with a treatment option and precious extra time with their families.

“It is now crucial that advanced breast cancer patients have their cancer tested to identify those who could benefit from this capivasertib combination.”

Professor Kristian Helin, chief executive of the ICR, said: “This announcement is a triumph that will improve treatment for these patients with the most common type of advanced breast cancer.

“Around half of patients with this kind of breast cancer have mutations in one or more of the genes, and for these patients capivasertib can halt disease progression.

“I’m delighted that access to the drug is being expanded to NHS patients in England and Wales who are in desperate need of better options.

“The approval is also a significant achievement for the ICR, and a great success story for British science.

“Decades of discovery science work and a major drug discovery project by ICR researchers, along with a crucial partnership with Astex Pharmaceuticals, paved the way to the discovery of capivasertib by AstraZeneca.”

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