Researchers explore abortion-related drugs for cancer treatment

While mifepristone and other abortion-related drugs have been used as treatment for conditions such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis for years, a new study from the University of Manchester is looking at their potential use for cancer prevention. After taking ulipristal acetate (UPA) for 12 weeks, several women were shown to have a reduction in the activity of cells that could go on to cause aggressive breast cancers. The study also found that stiff breast tissue, which signals cells to mutate, also relaxed. Further research will continue to determine whether the softer tissue could lead to more accurate mammograms.