Melbourne Researchers Discovered a Leukaemia Drug Could Unlock Breast Cancer Cure

A drug used for treating leukaemia could be the key to unlock the cure for the most common type of breast cancer.

Melbourne scientists have discovered the possible cure for breast cancer while testing the leukaemia drug by growing tumours in a lab. Using donated tissue from breast cancer patients in Victoria, the research team led by Professor Geoff Lindeman conducted pre-clinical trial tests.

The results were promising based on the findings of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne. Professor Lindeman said he looks forward to conducting human trials within three years.

Lead researcher Professor Lindeman also works as a medical oncologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He explained that the leukaemia drug worked by finding the BCL-2 protein in cancer cells and neutralising it.

Researchers in Melbourne discovered that the drug combined with another type of breast cancer therapy becomes more effective in fighting the effects of harmful tumours. The drug is currently in the early development stages of for the treatment of leukaemia patients. The same drug will soon benefit women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The research study was published in Cancer Cell, a medical journal last July 9.

53-year-old breast cancer patient Patricia Zalli donated her breast tissue after undergoing mastectomy. She said she wanted to help the researchers find a cure to the debilitating disease of women.

Zalli watched two friends lost their battle with breast cancer. She said one friend died before Zalli was diagnosed with the same disease.

The discovery of Melbourne scientists gives her hope that one day she would be able to get rid of breast cancer and meet her future grandchildren.

The researchers also found the leukaemia drug improved the effectiveness of hormone therapy by preventing or at least delaying the growth of aggressive hormones.

According to Wehi Professor Jane Visvader, the discovery of new treatments is important because these types of breast cancer are aggressive. Patients often receive poor treatment outcomes.

The results of future human clinical trials will have a huge impact in the medical world.