Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
04 November 2014 11:55
Experts have found that eribulin can extend the lives of women with aggressive forms of breast cancer by several months
Giving breast cancer patients a drug made from sea sponges can extend their lives by several months, according to a new study.
Researchers at the University of Leeds carried out two large-scale trials with more than 1,800 participants who had been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
They found that the drug eribulin extended the women's survival by an average of more than two months.
Women who had advanced triple negative breast cancer - an aggressive form of the disease for which there are few treatment options - benefited the most from the drug, with their lifespans increasing by almost five months.
Those with HER2 negative breast cancer lived more than two months longer when given eribulin, it was found.
Martin Ledwick, head information nurse at Cancer Research UK, described the results as "encouraging" for those women whose cancers no longer respond to conventional treatments.
He said that eribulin is not a cure but an additional option to extend patients' lives - which could be "priceless" for the women and their families. It may give them the option to spend valuable time with their family and friends, or to embark on a holiday with the security provided by specialist travel insurance for cancer patients.
The drug was originally derived from Halichondria okadai, a sea sponge, although it is now produced in laboratories.
Chris Twelves, professor of clinical cancer pharmacology and oncology at the University of Leeds, said the findings show that eribulin can lead to a "substantial improvement" in women's survival rates.
He pointed out that, while the drug was previously only available for women who had undergone several rounds of chemotherapy, the EU has now also approved it for those who have not received as much treatment.
The findings of the study were presented at the National Cancer Research Institute's cancer conference in Liverpool.
02 December 2019
Marvel at the world's most magnificent creatures in untouched corners of the globe.
[more...]
28 November 2019
Forget stopovers, sleeping pills and binging on in-flight entertainment. A slice of winter sun is just a short flight away.
Will you see in 2020 from a totally new destination? See how they celebrate around the world.
18 November 2019
Keen to get under the skin of the samba city? Take a look at some of the must-sees and must-dos in Rio de Janeiro.
While the Amazon amazes, there's much more to Brazil than the world's largest rainforest. Join us for an expedition into the country's lesser known natural attractions.
12 November 2019
The nation on the Nile offers intrigue beyond your wildest imagination. Check out our top 5 things to see and do.
Immerse yourself in the food, parades and spirit of America's favourite holiday, across five unique locations.
04 November 2019
Head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun, sea and spectacles of the wild kind.
As the nights draw in, we're turning our thoughts to the warmer climes of the Southern Hemisphere and treks in Patagonia that will put a spring in your step...
Escape the UK's shorter autumn days and head to the Southern Hemisphere for sun and sporting fun.
21 October 2019
Struggling for holiday inspiration? Let us inspire you with our list of book-themed breaks.
Check out our top recommendations to make the most of your time in Frankfurt, on the River Maine.