A new molecular targeted therapy in the US is being used in conjunction with platinum-based solutions to treat breast cancer with encouraging results.

Studies at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Centre showed that a combination of Herceptin with platinum salts including Cisplatin and Carboplatin resulted in significant tumour response rates and longer relapse-free periods in women with an aggressive form of advanced breast cancer.

The investigations have now been brought out of the laboratory and into Phase II clinical trials, according to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Dr George W. Sledge, co-director of the Breast Cancer Program at the Indiana University School of Medicine, called the studies “an impressive example of translational research at its best”.

Researchers Dr Dennis Slamon and Dr Mark Pegram led the studies, concluding that Herceptin and the chemotherapy platinum-based agents each made the other more effective.

Dr Pergram described the results as "extraordinary,” adding that they were markedly "superior to what was expected".

Further research into the efficacy of the new combination is now expected.