Drug may help more women survive hereditary breast cancer

International trials of olaparib were stopped early as benefits of groundbreaking' drug became clear

Women with hereditary breast cancer, triggered by the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, stand a better chance of survival following successful trials of a drug that cuts the likelihood of the cancer returning after treatment.

A major trial carried out by academic researchers to see whether olaparib can prevent recurrence was stopped early - after two-and-a-half years instead of the planned 10 years - when the benefits of the drug became clear.