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KYLIE CANCER BATTLE: Wonder Drug Could Help Her

Posted on: Sunday, 22 May 2005, 12:00 CDT

BATTLING Kylie is likely be given a new wonder drug to help her beat breast cancer.

She may be treated with Herceptin - recently hailed as a breakthrough in the treatment of a virulent strain of cancer which commonly strikes younger women.

There is a 50 per cent chance that Kylie, who turns 37 on Wednesday, is suffering from this aggressive form of the disease.

Trials of Herceptin, which costs pounds 20,000 a year per patient, were described by doctors last week as "stunning". The singer would be given the drug and a course of chemotherapy to destroy any existing cancer cells in her body. It is possible she would have to take Herceptin for the rest her life.

Sadly, the combined treatment could cause hair loss, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite, and also damage her chances of becoming a mum.

Kylie is also expected to undergo radiotherapy two or three times a week for five months.

Dr Sarah Rawlings, of the UK charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: "She will be monitored to make sure the cancer doesn't return."

Around 42,000 women in Britain are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Call Breakthrough free on 08080 100 200.

Source: Sunday Mirror; London

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