A new type of targeted medicine has shown ‘remarkable’ benefits for patients with advanced breast cancer in a major phase III clinical trial.

The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is urging NHS-England, NICE and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to continue discussions after the disappointing decision not to recommend targeted drug olaparib for women with early-stage, high-risk, inherited breast cancer.

A new breast cancer test could detect women who are less likely to respond to a standard breast cancer treatment – and could help improve treatment for these women by giving them other treatment options earlier.