Described as a game-changer for breast cancer sufferers, research shows a widely-available heartburn drug can prevent some serious side-effects associated with chemotherapy.

Two specialist cancer doctors from Palmerston North have found taking the heartburn medicine pantoprazole successfully targeted serious nausea and vomiting, which often happens two to five days after chemo.

Palmerston North Hospital oncologist Richard Isaacs told Mike Hosking this could change lives.

He says it reduces the intensity of nausea in people who have it, making life easier.

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