Breast cancer gel shrinks tumours

Gel for breast cancer in a development that could revolutionize the treatment of disease to shrink the tumor is being developed.

But it is the same active ingredient, and dispersing around the body like a bullet in the breast rather than the focus.

Researcher Professor Seema Khan, who is testing in the U.S. prison said: We think it is women who are reluctant to take tamoxifen is a very good solution.

Means of delivery through the skin there is very little blood and medication will be circulating through the body. '

If tests are successful, the treatment - afimoxifene called - in the next three to four years may be available to British patients.

Or a year, 48000-130 around the UK women with breast cancer are diagnosed every day.

Drug receptors in the breast that the hormone estrogen, which causes several types of disease is responsible for accepting the block.

Recent studies show that women who for five years, Tam - oxifen take a far better long-term survival prospects.

Tamoxifen is taken orally are broken down by the liver and circulated around the body before it reaches the breast tissue.

However afimoxifene tumors, where it seeps into the lives of affected cells and is applied to the skin.

Khan Professor of Northwestern University near Chicago, said: "The rest of the body and reduce exposure to the drug is concentrated where it is needed."

Afimoxifene is expected to encourage more women stay on treatment for longer and therefore boost their chances of survival. UK cancer research charities gave a cautious welcome.

Dr. Susie Jennings of Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: "It was not known, the alternative methods of treatment is exciting to see. But some time before we know if it will be safe and can be used effectively. '

And Cancer Research UK's Dr Kat Arney 'said it is not clear at this gel can deliver the benefits of the drug with side effects. "We have to wait and see what the test results show."