A new drug has been approved in Scotland for the treatment of breast cancers in the early stages. The drug named Arimidex seems to be beneficial specifically in treating breast cancer in women, who have crossed menopause. Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor that works by inhibiting the oestrogen production in the adrenal gland.

Apparently more than 4,000 women are expected to benefit from the use of this drug. England and Wales also intend to introduce this drug into the market by the end of this year. Keeping in mind the efficacy that has been noted so far, this drug is also due for consideration for the approval by National Institute of Clinical Excellence.

The medical journal Lancet has reported that this drug has helped in halving the risk of the illness relapsing in patients. Lancet Oncology reports that recipients of this drug have shown remarkable improvement after two to three years following surgery, as compared to the standard drug of choice, Tamoxifen. Their chances of succumbing to death on account of the cancer were reduced by 29%.The study reported in Lancet also shows that chances of relapse were minimized by 45% after introduction of this drug. The long term chance of occurrence of any other cancer in the lifetime of the patient also showed a considerable decline of 39% in the studies.