Man treated for breast cancer given 'wonder drug'

A man who was given "a wonder drug" to target his stage four cancer said it was "like an oasis in the desert".

Kizi Kamasho, 53, from Luton, said it was a "shock" to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, which then spread to his lungs, bones, and lymph nodes.

He said taking the drug Herceptin has made him "feel positive about the future".

The father-of-one said because of pioneering research into the disease it meant "there is now light at the end of the tunnel".

Herceptin, which Mr Kamasho is still on, targets the type of cancer he has, and recent scans show he is clear of the disease, a spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK said.

Mr Kamasho said the work carried out by the charity "has had a massive impact on my treatment and wellbeing".

"To know that there was a wonder drug that could specifically target my type of breast cancer was like an oasis in the desert and something I could grab on to," he said.

"I was so shocked to receive my diagnosis of male breast cancer and feared for my future, but now things are looking promising, and it feels like there’s light at the end of the tunnel", he added.

He is now preparing to take part in The Race for Live at Stockwood Park, Luton, on Sunday 23 June.

"One of the most important parts of cancer treatment is research and finding new ways and new drugs to treat the disease", he said.

"Together we are beating cancer."

According to the NHS, Herceptin is a brand name for the drug Trastuzumab.

It works by targeting cells with high amounts of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) to help stop them growing and spreading.

HER2 is found in all human cells and it controls growth and cell repair.

The NHS website said: "Trastuzumab may work more quickly for some people than others. You'll have regular check-ups while you're having treatment to make sure it's working well for you."

It added: "Trastuzumab is available on prescription. It's given in a hospital or clinic as a drip (infusion) or an injection into your thigh (subcutaneous)."

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