Exclusive: New treatment for patients with advanced breast cancer doubles the chances of treating it

Breast cancer is on the rise in Colombia. As of January 1, 2024, a total of 140,096 cases of breast cancer treated through the health system had been reported in the country, according to data from the High Cost Account (CAC), the health system entity that manages and provides comparable data and information to accelerate improvements in the care of people with high-cost diseases.

Specifically, between January 2, 2023, and January 1, 2024, 9,615 cases were diagnosed, making this the most common type of cancer among the 11 prioritized types for the country, according to preliminary figures. This also represents an increase compared to 2022, when 7,346 new cases were identified, a year that also saw an increase of more than 1,000 cases compared to 2021.

Between 2015 and 2023, the trend in morbidity and mortality in breast cancer cases reported to the CAC has shown an increase in prevalence, specifically for the period 2023, which increased by 8.03%. Meanwhile, the proportion of new cases for this latter period was the highest since the beginning of the registry. Where there is some positive news is in the mortality figures, which decreased by 9%.

In response, and in a joint effort to transform breast cancer treatment in Colombia, the pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo have launched an innovative personalized medicine therapy that has already shown promising results internationally. This breakthrough represents an important milestone in the fight against one of the most prevalent types of cancer in women, offering a therapeutic option that directly targets malignant cells with greater precision and fewer adverse effects.

Marcela Fernández, country president of the AstraZeneca Andean Cluster, explains that this new alternative is designed using a precision medicine approach, which allows the treatment to be tailored to the unique characteristics of each patient and their tumor type. The goal is not only to increase clinical efficacy but also to improve the quality of life of those facing this disease in advanced stages.

The therapy, which is already included in the Colombian healthcare system's benefits plan, seeks to guarantee equitable access nationwide, regardless of patients' geographic location or socioeconomic status. Implementation in Colombia is accompanied by efforts to train healthcare professionals and strengthen the hospital network, with a view to effectively integrating this technology into the system.

In an interview with EL TIEMPO, Fernández explains how the new treatment works, its impact on medical practice, and the positive results observed in other countries.

This new treatment is a personalized medicine therapy. Thanks to this innovation, we can target cancer cells in a targeted manner, minimizing adverse events and maximizing treatment effectiveness. The goal is to improve both the quality of life and life expectancy of women facing a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. This alternative represents a firm step in our commitment to transforming patient care and bringing innovative solutions to those who need them most.

Yes, absolutely. The focus of precision medicine is on using the unique characteristics of the patient and the tumor to optimize outcomes and offer more appropriate and personalized treatment options for each case.

Of course. This therapy is already part of the benefits plan, and we continue to work with the authorities and the healthcare system to ensure that this therapy is effectively integrated into the country's hospital network, guaranteeing its accessibility, regardless of location or medical condition. We trust that, with the patient's willingness and collaboration, patients will benefit from this advancement, under the appropriate guidance. Therefore, it is important to consult with the treating physician to assess whether this therapy is appropriate for each particular case.

The international experience has been extremely positive. We are seeing that the therapy can double the response rate in patients with advanced breast cancer and significantly reduce the risk of progression or death, compared to other treatments available in the country. That is our commitment: to impact the lives of patients through innovation in cancer treatment.

At AstraZeneca, we focus on some of the most complex cancers. Through continuous innovation, we have developed one of the broadest and most advanced portfolios in the industry, with the potential to transform the patient experience and generate significant changes in medical practice. We are convinced that no woman in Colombia should be excluded from access to the most effective and cutting-edge treatments available worldwide.

Bringing this technology, in partnership with Daiichi Sankyo, is a commitment to equity, public health, and the future. It also represents a commitment to strengthening our healthcare system, training professionals, and working together with all stakeholders to transform the reality of breast cancer in the region.

When science is combined with genuine commitment, it can change the lives of thousands of women and their families. That is our mission and our path.

Environment and Health Journalist