A NEW drug, trialled by Huddersfield women, cuts by a third the risk of breast cancer returning, researchers say.
International trials by Cancer Research UK found mixing two types of drug treatment can lessen the risk of it coming back.
Women from Huddersfield were among the 4,700 who took part in the trials in 37 countries.
Scientists studied the effects of switching treatment after two-and-a-half years from Tamoxifen to new drug Exemestane.
As well as finding a 32% reduction in the risk of the disease recurring, the resear- chers found a 56% reduced chance of breast cancer appearing in the other breast among those taking Exemestane.
Prof Robert Sou- hami, director of clinical affairs at Cancer Research UK, said: "While this is good news, it's important to remember that these results tell us what happens only in the short term. It's essential we continue to study the drug to make sure it doesn't expose patients to any unpredicted long-term risks."
Exemestane is a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor, which stops the natural production of oestrogen - the hormone responsible for the growth and recurrence of many breast cancers.
The drug is not yet licensed in the UK for cancer patients.
