Big promise is seen in 2 new breast cancer drugs

Breast cancer experts are cheering what could be some of the biggest advances in more than a decade. Studies show two new medicines significantly delay the time until women with advanced cases get worse.

An experimental drug from Genentech called pertuzumab (per-TOO-zoo-mab) held cancer at bay for a median of 18 months when given with standard treatment, versus 12 months for others given only the usual treatment. The drug also seems to be improving survival.

Another drug long used in organ transplants, Afinitor, also kept cancer in check longer for women who have stopped responding to hormone-blocking treatments. The studies were released Wednesday at a breast cancer conference in San Antonio.

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