Novartis and Johnson drug combination ‘can stop tumour growth’

New research has revealed the combination of chemotherapy agent doxorubicin and bone-protecting compound zoledronic acid can have an effect on the growth of established breast cancer tumours.

Scientists at the University of Sheffield tested the drugs alone, in sequence and in combination to find the most effective treatment order.

The results published in the current issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found administration of doxorubicin followed 24 hours later with zoledronic acid saw an almost complete elimination in the growth of tumours.

Doxorubicin is available under the brand name Aclasta from Novartis, while zoledronic acid is supplied by Johnson & Johnson as Doxil in the form of an HCL lipsome injection.

Pamela Goldberg, chief executive of Breast Cancer Campaign, said: “The results of this study are very encouraging and could change the way breast cancer patients are treated.”

She added these two treatments are already used in the clinic and relatively inexpensive, meaning the benefits of giving women the best possible chance of overcoming breast cancer should be seen quickly.

In July 2008, Breakthrough Breast Cancer advised breast awareness should be sufficient to help women identify any potential problems, with complex monthly medical examinations not being necessary.