India expands use of AstraZeneca's drug for advanced breast cancer cases
AstraZeneca Pharma India has received approval from India's drug regulator to expand the use of a breast cancer treatment that could bring new hope to many women with advanced disease.The medicine, Trastuzumab deruxtecan, was already available for some breast and stomach cancers.Now, it has been approved to treat more patients, specifically adults with HER2-low or HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer who have already tried hormone-based treatment.advertisement
This approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) means more patients in India with hard-to-treat breast cancers can access the drug.WHAT IS HER2-LOW BREAST CANCER?HER2 is a protein found on the surface of some cancer cells. When levels of HER2 are high, certain targeted treatments can work. However, many patients have low or very low levels of this protein, these are known as HER2-low or HER2-ultralow cancers.Until recently, there were limited treatment options for these patients. But this drug offers a targeted approach even in those with lower HER2 levels.THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE APPROVALThe decision is based on results from a large international study called DESTINY-Breast06, which compared Trastuzumab deruxtecan with standard chemotherapy.The trial involved patients who had already received at least one hormone therapy but no chemotherapy for their metastatic cancer.advertisementThe results were promising:Patients who took Trastuzumab deruxtecan lived longer without the disease getting worse.For those with HER2-low breast cancer, the average time without disease progression was 13.2 months, compared to 8.1 months for those on chemotherapy.The risk of disease progression or death was reduced by nearly 40%.Dr. Sandeep Arora, Director of Medical Affairs at AstraZeneca India, said, "This approval marks a shift in how we treat advanced breast cancer in India. It highlights the importance of testing tumors for even minimal HER2 expression to identify patients who may benefit."WHY THIS MATTERS IN INDIABreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with over 2 million cases in 2020, according to the World Health Organisation. In India, the number of breast cancer cases has risen by 40% in the past 25 years.Dr. Sanjeev Panchal, Managing Director of AstraZeneca India, called it part of a broader effort to "follow the science" and deliver better, more personalised cancer care.The drug was first introduced in India in 2024 and is now approved for three types of breast and gastric cancers. Experts hope that with wider use, this medication could significantly improve survival rates for women with advanced breast cancer.advertisementDoctors say it will now be important to test tumors for HER2 expression, even at very low levels, to identify who could benefit from this treatment.While not a cure, Trastuzumab deruxtecan represents another important step in making breast cancer treatment more precise and more effective for Indian patients.
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Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
In New York, Khalistan backers heckle doctor who aided 2020-21 farm stir; Dr Swaiman says he is proud of Indian roots, Tricolour
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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
Report flags tiger-human conflict risk as prey base shrinks in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha
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News18
an hour ago
- News18
Vibhu Raghave Dies At 37: Saumya Tandon, Aneri Vajani Lead Tributes
Last Updated: The actor, whose real name was Vaibhav Kumar Singh Raghave, breathed his last in Mumbai. Television actor Vibhu Raghave, known for his role in Nisha Aur Uske Cousins, has passed away after a long fight with stage four colon cancer. The actor, whose real name was Vaibhav Kumar Singh Raghave, breathed his last in Mumbai. He was in his late 30s as per the reports. Vibhu was a familiar face in the Indian television world. Apart from Nisha Aur Uske Cousins, he was also seen in shows like Savdhaan India and Suvreen Guggal – Topper of the Year among others. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022, Vibhu chose to share his health journey with his followers on Instagram. Even during his toughest moments, he kept his spirits high and spread hope through his words and smile. Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from friends and co-stars who remembered Vibhu not just as a talented actor but also as a kind and courageous human being. She also posted a heartfelt note with a picture of them together, writing, 'Rest in peace, my dearest Vibhu! Yes, I know you loved me more." The post was followed with more pictures from their time on set which reflected their deep bond. Actress Saumya Tandon, known for Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain, shared a moving tribute on Instagram: 'My beautiful friend Vibhu Raghave… is with angels now. Left us last night. Vibhu, you were beautiful. Inside and out. You taught me how to smile even when everything was falling apart. How to hold on to light when the world felt dark. You were a fighter till the very end — a real warrior. Even when people gave up hope, you kept going. You never stopped." 'We had plans, Vibhu. We wanted to make videos… to talk about everything you were feeling. We thought we had time. We didn't. And now all I'm left with is your voice in my head, your smile, and all the love you gave me. I'll miss you forever. I really will. Life is so damn short. I'm going to try to live it like you did — fully, fiercely, with heart. To be the best version of myself, every single day. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for the light, the love, the laughter. And thank you — truly — to every single person who contributed, prayed, and gave Vibhu a fighting chance. I'm forever grateful to you all," she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saumya Tandon (@saumyas_world_) Sharing a picture of Vibhu on her Instagram Stories, actress Simple Kaul also mourned his loss, writing, 'You will be missed my dear friend Vibhu Raghave. Love light and happiness to you." Karan Veer Mehra also paid his tribute, writing, 'Rest in peace brother. Too soon." Actress Addite Malik remembered him as, 'The purest soul, a beacon of strength & positivity. His smile could light up any room. He faced life with unmatched grace and will be deeply missed." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Addite Shirwakar (@additemalik) She also shared an image of Vibhu on her Instagram Stories and wrote, 'He walks now in a world beyond ours, free from pain, embraced by light." Sanaya Irani posted a brief but heartfelt message: 'RIP Friend. I'm sure you are spreading positivity, love and warmth wherever you are. Gone too soon. RIP friend. You will be missed." Vibhu Raghave's Antim Darshan was held at Prakash Nagar, Jogeshwari West, Mumbai, earlier today, followed by the last rites. First Published:
