Statement from Breast Cancer Care

Comment on research presented to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2008 meeting, which claims that combining pertuzumab with Herceptin shows significant tumour response in women with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.

Maria Leadbeater, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Care, said:

“Breast Cancer Care welcomes any research which will increase the range of effective treatment options for patients with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.

“The results from these mid-stage trials are encouraging as they indicate that this treatment combination can potentially delay the progression of HER2-positive breast cancer. However, this is a very small study (66), and larger scale research is needed to produce statistically significant data.

“It is important to remember that around 25 per cent of all breast cancers diagnosed in the UK each year are HER2-positive. More research should now be carried out to fully determine the benefits that combining pertuzumab and Herceptin may hold for this particular group of patients.”

ENDS

Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns can get free, confidential support and information from the Breast Cancer Care helpline on 0808 800 6000 or by visiting www.breastcancercare.org.uk

For further media information, please contact

Laura Grossart

020 7960 3473 / 0770 290 1334

laurag@breastcancercare.org.uk

· Breast Cancer Care has been working for over 30 years to make a difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer. We provide accurate, easy to understand information as well as practical and emotional support. We are the only charity working across the UK to provide these services. Every year we reach over one million people through our website, helpline, publications, person to person support and health promoting activities, all of which are offered free. We are committed to campaigning for better treatment and support for people with breast cancer and their families.

Laura Grossart

Press & PR Officer- Policy, Campaigns and Services

Breast Cancer Care

020 7960 3473
laurag@breastcancercare.org.uk
+ Breast Cancer Care, 5-13 Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0NS

EMPLOY: Breast Cancer Care’s guide to best practice in the workplace

Breast Cancer Care is launching the EMPLOY Campaign across the country in May, June and July, a guide and charter aimed at providing employers and employees with support on best practice in the workplace. If you would like more information please contact Chris Quince at chrisq@breastcancercare.org.uk call 0207 960 3569 or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/employ