A drug already widely used within the NHS could be repurposed as a groundbreaking preventative treatment for breast cancer in women with a strong family history of the disease, according to a new study.
How a Common Pill Could Block Cancer Development
Researchers at the Manchester Breast Centre, based at The University of Manchester, have discovered that ulipristal acetate may significantly reduce breast cancer risk in pre-menopausal women. The study, published in the journal Nature and funded by Breast Cancer Now, found that the drug works by blocking the effects of the hormone progesterone.
Progesterone is known to drive breast cancer development because it promotes the growth of specific breast cells, known as luminal progenitors, which have the potential to turn into cancer. By inhibiting progesterone, ulipristal acetate creates an environment in breast tissue that is less favourable for cancer to start and grow.
Clinical Trial Shows Promising Changes in Breast Tissue
Between 2016 and 2019, the research team conducted a trial with 24 women aged 34-44 who had a strong family history of breast cancer. The participants took ulipristal acetate for a 12-week period.
Each woman underwent breast biopsies, blood tests, and detailed MRI scans before and after the treatment. The results were striking:
- MRI scans showed that breast tissue density decreased, a key finding as higher density is a known risk factor for breast cancer.
- The treatment was most effective in women who had high breast density at the start of the study.
- Researchers observed a significant reduction in supportive collagen proteins, particularly collagen 6, making the tissue less stiff and less conducive to cancer growth.
A Potential Alternative to Radical Surgery
Currently, women at high genetic risk of breast cancer face limited and life-altering options, such as preventative mastectomy or long-term hormone therapy. This new research offers hope for a less invasive preventive measure.
Dr Sacha Howell, the clinical lead author and Director of the Manchester Breast Centre, stated: "We are profoundly grateful to the women who volunteered for this study. Our research provides evidence that progesterone plays a critical role in breast cancer development in high-risk individuals. By targeting its action, ulipristal acetate and other anti-progestins show promise as preventive treatments."
Dr Bruno Simões, the laboratory lead author, added that the study is particularly exciting because it suggests women with increased breast density may benefit most from this kind of preventive treatment.
The charity Breast Cancer Now, which funded the research, highlighted that this could one day provide a crucial new option, improving the physical and emotional wellbeing of women at risk. The findings lay the groundwork for larger clinical trials to confirm the drug's potential in breast cancer prevention.
