New Drug Combination Shows Promise Against Advanced Breast Cancer in Phase 3 Trial

The findings come from the HEALER trial, a phase 3 study — the final and most rigorous stage of clinical testing before a treatment can be considered for wider use. The trial focused on HER2-positive breast cancer, a type in which tumour cells carry higher-than-normal levels of a protein called HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) that drives cancer growth.

The results were presented at ESMO 2026, the annual congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology, one of the leading forums where new cancer research is shared with clinicians worldwide.

An accompanying editorial in the same journal, titled *Targeting HER2 — A Triumph of Science*, reflects the significance the medical community is placing on this line of research. HER2-targeted therapies have reshaped breast cancer treatment over the past two decades, and trials like HEALER represent the continued effort to extend options for patients whose cancer has spread beyond its original site.

Both anbenitamab and HB1801 are investigational medicines. Neither is currently approved for routine NHS use in the UK, and patients should not seek these drugs outside of a clinical trial setting.

So what does this mean in practice? For most people, nothing changes immediately — but research at this stage does feed into the approval processes that eventually shape what treatments become available on the NHS.

Anyone concerned about breast cancer symptoms or their treatment options should speak to their GP or call NHS 111. The charity Breast Cancer Now runs a free helpline on 0808 800 6000 for anyone who needs support or information.

Key information

• These drugs are not currently available on the NHS outside of clinical trials
• For breast cancer concerns, contact your GP or call NHS 111
• Breast Cancer Now helpline: 0808 800 6000