Cancer patients to receive ‘life-changing’ AstraZeneca drug through NHS

Clinical trials have shown the drug could extend advanced prostate cancer patients’ lives by an average of six months, NHS England said

The decision has been praised by cancer charities and scientists (PA Media)

Olaparib, manufactured by pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, could benefit hundreds who suffer from breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Men with advanced prostate cancer and women with a form of early breast cancer called HER2-negative will be able to access olaparib through NHS England if they are at high risk of the disease returning.

The newly-approved drug, given as a tablet, prevents cancerous cells from repairing their DNA - which causes them to die.