New breast cancer drug ‘slashes deaths by a third’ in patients with Angelina Jolie’s faulty gene

A NEW breast cancer drug cuts deaths by a third in patients with the same faulty gene as Angelina Jolie, a study shows.

Olaparib, which targets the rogue BRCA genes behind tumours, could save the lives of 2,000 British people a year, experts believe.

Taken daily, it stops diseased cells from repairing themselves after chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Trials show it cuts death risk by 32 per cent in early-stage breast cancer patients who have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

The findings were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology congress.

They are based on data on 1,836 sufferers.

Prof Andrew Tutt, from the Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “Olaparib provides a much-needed new individualised and targeted treatment to keep more women with inherited breast cancer free of disease and alive and well after their initial treatment.”

Dr Simon Vincent, of Breast Cancer Now, said: “Olaparib could save lives and prevent recurrence in some women and men living with primary breast cancer with an inherited  . . .  ‘Jolie gene’.”

Olaparib, already used for other cancers, is being assessed by NHS regulators.