Scientists are to begin testing tumour samples taken from breast cancer patients in Bradford to see if a new drug on trial in the city is likely to be a success.

It is part of the Cancer Research Campaign-funded Tact trial, to find out whether a new chemotherapy regime can improve survival rates for women with breast cancer.

The trial was launched nationally today to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is highlighting the need for better treatment for the commonest cancer among British women.

It is the largest patient trial of its kind and will eventually involve more than 3,000 women, including those drawn from Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale General Hospital in Steeton.

The new type of chemotherapy includes a drug called Taxotere, which doctors have used with considerable success to extend the lives of women with breast cancer.

Researchers will compare the chemotherapy regime, never before available in the UK, with two that are used as standard in British hospitals. The scientists will test whether this drug, alongside a combination of chemotherapy agents called FEC, can be effective in improving the survival of women with early stage breast cancer.

Dr Chris Bradley, who is heading clinical trials of the drug at Bradford Royal Infirmary, said he was excited at the possibility of a break-through with this trial

"This is the first time for 20 years that we have tried to look at a new drug in the treatment of breast cancer," he said. "This is a very important trial."

As well as testing whether the new drug combination can bring improved survival rates, researchers will also be looking for ways of predicting who will respond best to the new treatment.

That way only women who would be likely to benefit would be given Taxotere, while other patients could be given alternative drugs.

The Cancer Research Campaign is the only charity funding the trial, which is also supported by the Government and a number of pharmaceutical companies. Recruitment began in February and is already proving to be a tremendous success.

Bradford Can... is aiming to raise £1 million to help fund a major cancer research centre in the city, with a further £5 million investment promised by the CRC if the initial target is reached.

The Campaign's director general Prof Gordon McVie said: "The Cancer Research Campaign is committed to a cure. That means we need not only to research new drugs and treatments, but also to make sure that the best possible drugs are available to patients as quickly as possible."