Lab researchers study breast cancer prevention agent

Laboratory testers are in the process of linking an investigational agent to the prevention of breast cancer growth.

Scott & White Healthcare researchers are hoping clinical trials will help to discover whether metastasised tumours can be managed through the treatment.

According to the organisation, patients who have the disease and are not benefiting from existing medical assistance may be eligible for Phase II of the experiments.

Dr Christopher Ruud, director of the institution's breast cancer division, said the "ultimate goal" is to offer individuals a way of coping with the condition on a day-to-day basis.

He stated: "That is one of our strategies at Scott & White to find ways to treat breast cancer that has failed other treatments."

A recent study by Danish experts questioned whether breast screening has had a positive effect on the number of deaths relating to breast cancer.

Karsten Jorgensen and Peter Gotzsche from the Nordic Cochrane Centre in Copenhagen suggested tests of this kind had a minimal impact on reducing mortality rates.