Eight cents pills already routinely prescribed to strengthen bones could save 1,000 lives a year if used to treat breast cancer, according to eagerly awaited new evidence.
However, experts have warned that unless the Government intervenes, many patients could miss out because the drugs are not licensed for use against cancer.
The drugs, known as bisphosphonates, have been used for years to treat the bone-weakening condition osteoporosis.
A new analysis of evidence from 18,766 patients, published in The Lancet medical journal, reveals that among post-menopausal women with breast cancer, the drugs reduced 10-year mortality risk by 18 per cent.
About two thirds of all women with breast cancer could benefit from the drugs, and according to the leading research charity Breast Cancer Now, 34,000 women could benefit and their routine use could save up to 1,000 lives a year.
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Breast cancer: Pills that cost 5p could treat women with the illness - Health News - Health & Families - The Independent