Latest news with #CatherineElliott
Western Telegraph
7 days ago
- Health
- Western Telegraph
New drug can help stop certain breast cancer tumours early, trial shows
A trial called Serena-6 shows that camizestrant stops cancer cells from using hormones to grow, which helps patients stay well longer and delays the need for chemotherapy. It is the first worldwide study to show that using blood tests to find early signs of cancer resistance to treatment helps patients, scientists say. The study looked at patients who had hormone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, which is about 70% of cases. The results of the Serena-6 trial represent more than a clinical milestone, they represent a transformational shift in how we approach precision medicine Professor Kristian Helin, Institute of Cancer Research Results showed patients given camizestrant reduced their chances of cancer progression by 56%, compared with just standard therapies. Doctors used a simple blood test to spot changes in the cancer's DNA that show whether current treatments might soon stop working. When they found these signs, some patients were given camizestrant, while others stayed on their usual treatment. Those on camizestrant had their cancer stay the same and not get worse for much longer, 16 months on average, compared with about nine months for the others. The drug was safe for most patients but 1% stopped taking it because of side effects. More than 3,000 patients from 23 countries took part in the study, which was funded by AstraZeneca and co-led by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research in London. This study is a clear example of how blood tests are starting to transform cancer treatment Dr Catherine Elliott, Cancer Research UK Co-principal investigator Professor Nick Turner, group leader in molecular oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said the drug is 'a pivotal moment in breast cancer care'. Professor Kristian Helin, chief executive of The Institute of Cancer Research said: 'The results of the Serena-6 trial represent more than a clinical milestone, they represent a transformational shift in how we approach precision medicine.' About 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year and 11,500 will die from the disease, The Institute of Cancer Research said. The Serena-6 trial results were to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting in Chicago on Sunday. Dr Catherine Elliott, director of research at Cancer Research UK, said: 'This study is a clear example of how blood tests are starting to transform cancer treatment. 'By tracking tiny traces of tumour DNA in the blood, researchers were able to spot early signs of treatment resistance and switch therapies before cancer had a chance to grow. 'It shows how circulating tumour DNA, or ctDNA, could help doctors make smarter, more timely treatment decisions. 'This approach could become an important part of how we personalise care for people with advanced breast cancer.'
West Australian
14-05-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Goldfields-Esperance has second-lowest number of resident medical specialists in regional WA
A new health report says the Goldfields-Esperance has the second-lowest number of resident medical specialists in regional WA. Rural Health West's Profile of the Rural Resident Specialist Workforce 2024 says there are 205 specialists across regional WA — 12 more than the previous year and 28 per cent higher than a decade ago. The study found more than half were internationally trained, the average age was 52, and the most common specialties were paediatrics, general surgery and emergency medicine. However, the Goldfields-Esperance region had only 5.4 per cent of the rural resident specialist population, with 11 workers residing in the area — three specialists in general medicine, one in general surgery, two in obstetrics/gynaecology, four in paediatrics, and one in psychiatry. That was the second-lowest in the State — having seven more specialists than the Wheatbelt. Currently, the South West has the most specialists, with 95 workers making up 46.3 per cent of the regional total. The study also said South West specialists remained in the region for nine years on average, 1.2 years more than the average length of time of those in the Goldfields-Esperance region. However, in 2020 there were only four medical specialists who worked and resided in the Goldfields-Esperance, and the region has had a 1.4-year increase of its length of residence since 2021. Rural Health West chief executive Catherine Elliott said she was heartened to see growth in the Goldfields-Esperance region's health professionals but believed there was still room for improvement to increase the region's workforce. 'It's heartening to see gradual growth in the number of resident specialists in the Goldfields and even more encouraging to see the average length of stay increasing,' she said. 'However, we need to see continued investment in rural training pathways, housing, partner support and supervision if we want to attract and retain the next generation of specialists to the regions.' The data within the study was gathered at the census date of September 30, 2024.
