AstraZeneca has reported encouraging findings from its clinical trials for a revolutionary breast cancer medication that effectively halts the progression of mutating tumors and notably enhances survival rates.

The late-stage trial results for the camizestrant pill, specifically targeting “advanced” breast cancer, demonstrated a remarkable 56 percent reduction in the risk of tumor advancement or patient mortality.

David Fredrickson, the executive vice-president of oncology at AstraZeneca, remarked, “We are transitioning from a uniform treatment strategy to a more tailored approach that enables us to combat cancer’s resistance mechanisms before they can establish themselves.”

AstraZeneca is on a trajectory to become the leading oncology company globally in terms of sales. Analysts predict that camizestrant could generate up to $5 billion in peak annual sales, positioning it as a potential blockbuster.

The findings were revealed at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference held in Chicago, marking a significant milestone as they showcased the application of liquid biopsy, a blood test designed to determine the necessity for treatment adjustments in women with a prevalent form of breast cancer, prior to any tumor growth being visible on imaging.

As of now, camizestrant remains pending approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The trial involved breast cancer patients exhibiting specific receptors on their tumors. This medication works by inhibiting estrogen’s ability to bind to cancer cells and subsequently destroys the receptors, complicating the cancer’s ability to evade treatment. Importantly, no new side effects were reported, and very few participants discontinued due to adverse effects.

The research was collaboratively led by scientists from the Institute of Cancer Research in London, the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in London, and the Institut Curie in Paris.

Professor Kristian Helin, CEO of the Institute of Cancer Research, highlighted that these results signify “more than a clinical milestone; they represent a transformative evolution in the field of precision medicine.”

The data indicated that for patients receiving the new drug alongside an existing treatment, disease progression was delayed by an average of 16 months compared to just 9.2 months for those undergoing only the standard treatment.