Harrogate cancer patient welcomes news pioneering Yorkshire drug could be used to treat more sufferers

Jo Beagley, from Harrogate, has been living with ovarian cancer for the past three years. She is pictured with husband Robin and her sons are Henry, now 8, and James, now 10, in 2015. Picture: Carl Summerscales

Researchers at the University of Sheffield, funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research, first discovered that PARP-inhibiting drugs could be used to treat ovarian and breast cancer patients with a BCRA mutation back in 2005.

BRCA genes repair damaged DNA and normally prevent tumour development. However, mutations of these genes may lead to certain cancers.

Following the research breakthrough, a pharmaceutical company undertook clinical trials which eventually led to Lynparza being used in the treatment of some women with ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancers by the NHS.

But now, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug for secondary breast cancer patients with the gene mutation for the first time - and it is hoped that the European Medicines Agency will soon follow suit so that patients here can benefit from its life-extending properties. Around five to 10 per cent of patients with any type of breast cancer have a BRCA mutation and could possibly be helped by the drug.

Jo Beagley was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer in 2014 when she was 39. In June last year the cancer returned, and after initial chemotherapy she has been treated with Lynparza after tests revealed she carried the gene mutation.

She said: “Facing up to a recurrence of my ovarian cancer was tough, but knowing that my treatment plan was to involve a drug that has been proven to be effective in women with a BRCA gene mutation gave me cause to be optimistic.

“Lynparza wasn’t in use at the time of my diagnosis so it is reassuring to know that revolutionary new drugs are being discovered; presenting new treatment options for ovarian cancer and now breast cancer.”

Dr Helen Bryant, from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Oncology and Metabolism, part of the 2005 discovery, said: “It is incredibly satisfying and exciting that ideas we developed in Sheffield have led to the development of a drug that will now be used to treat breast cancer patients. This is a massive step forward for patients who otherwise have limited treatment options.”

Chief executive at Yorkshire Cancer Research, Dr Kathryn Scott said: “The journey from lab to patient can be long, complicated and uncertain, so a successful outcome is a very exciting achievement. This new indication for Lynparza means that more cancer patients than ever before could benefit.”