Patients with these genetic alterations often face poorer outcomes and higher recurrence rates, making this approval particularly crucial.

Capivasertib is administered as a twice-daily pill and can be taken annually, with a total treatment cost estimated at £77,088 for 12 months, subject to a confidential discount from AstraZeneca.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) announced on April 11, 2025, the approval of capivasertib, a breast cancer drug, for use in the National Health Service, marking a 'landmark moment' in cancer treatment.

Capivasertib is expected to benefit around 1,100 patients in England, with the potential for thousands more as genetic testing becomes more widespread.

Others, like Sarah Thompson, have described the approval as a 'lifeline,' highlighting the emotional impact of gaining extra time with loved ones.

The treatment will be funded through the Cancer Drugs Fund, ensuring quicker access to this newly recommended therapy.

Professor Peter Johnson of NHS England emphasized that while capivasertib may not be suitable for everyone, it provides valuable time before more intensive therapies are needed.

This approval is significant as it allows patients with specific genetic mutations, such as PIK3CA, AKT1, or PTEN, to access a new treatment option that has shown promising results in clinical trials.

Clinical trials demonstrated that the combination of capivasertib and hormone therapy fulvestrant extended the time before cancer worsened by approximately 4.2 months compared to a placebo.

Patients like Elen Hughes have expressed how the drug has transformed their lives, allowing them to participate in significant family milestones.

Lead researcher Professor Nick Turner hailed capivasertib as potentially the most effective cancer drug for advanced cases, with long-lasting treatment effects.

This approval also underscores the ongoing challenges in drug approval processes, with advocacy groups calling for reforms to expedite access to life-extending treatments.