Chemotherapy
Breast cancer is management by the administration of multiple modalities. Chemotherapy for breast cancer is a common treatment that involves using drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy), after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy), or as the primary treatment in cases where surgery isn't an option or the cancer has spread (metastatic breast cancer).
Goals of Chemotherapy:
- Reduce tumor size before surgery: In some cases, chemotherapy is used to shrink the lump in the breast, making it easier to remove surgically or allow breast conservation surgery.
- Prevent cancer recurrence: Chemotherapy can eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the body after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Control the spread of cancer: For advanced or metastatic breast cancer, chemotherapy can help control the disease and prolong survival.
Types of Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer:
Common drugs or drug combinations used in breast cancer treatment include:
- Anthracyclines (e.g., Doxorubicin, Epirubicin)
- Taxanes (e.g., Paclitaxel, Docetaxel)
- Alkylating agents (e.g., Cyclophosphamide)
- Antimetabolites (e.g., Fluorouracil, Methotrexate)
- Platinum agents (e.g., Carboplatin, Cisplatin) – often used in triple-negative breast cancer
When Chemotherapy is Recommended:
- Early-stage breast cancer: To prevent recurrence after surgery or shrink tumors before surgery.
- Locally advanced breast cancer: Before surgery to shrink larger tumors.
- HER2-positive breast cancer: Often combined with targeted therapies like trastuzumab.
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): A particularly aggressive form of cancer, often treated with chemotherapy.
- Metastatic breast cancer: To manage symptoms and prolong life in later-stage cancer.
Administration and Side Effects:
- Chemotherapy is usually administered intravenously (into blood stream), though some forms can be taken orally.
- Treatment cycles are spaced out over several weeks or months to allow the body to recover between sessions.
Common Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Increased risk of infections (due to low white blood cell counts)
- Neuropathy (nerve damage causing tingling or numbness)
- Mouth sores
- Loss of appetite
- Menstrual changes or early menopause
Some side effects can be managed with medications and supportive care, and most subside after treatment ends. However, certain long-term effects, such as heart or nerve damage, may persist depending on the drugs used.
Newer Chemotherapy Approaches:
Some patients may receive chemotherapy in combination with other treatments like targeted therapies or immunotherapy. This combination can enhance effectiveness, especially in specific types of breast cancer like HER2-positive or triple-negative breast cancer.
The experts at Hyderabad breast clinics will discuss the specific chemotherapy plan to be used for you which is tailored based on the type and stage of breast cancer, as well as your overall health and preferences.
