Breast Cancer Treatment: Personalized Options From Surgery to Immunotherapy
Breast cancer treatment varies greatly depending on the individual case, with a range of options including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy, such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda), boosts the immune system to fight cancer cells, while hormone therapy, like endocrine therapy, starves hormone-dependent cancers of their fuel. Surgery options range from breast-sparing lumpectomy to mastectomy, with reconstruction possibilities. Chemotherapy, often used before or after surgery, combines two or more drugs to shrink tumors or destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy targets high doses of radiation directly to cancer sites, and targeted therapies target specific cancer characteristics, like anti-HER2 drugs for HER2-positive cases.
Breast cancer treatment is highly personalized, considering factors such as cancer stage, tumor grade, hormone receptor status, and genetics. For instance, about 65% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, making hormone therapy an effective option. Immunotherapy has shown promise in certain cases, with pembrolizumab being used to enhance the immune system's response to cancer cells. Surgery may involve lumpectomy or mastectomy, with breast reconstruction possible in some cases. Chemotherapy, used before or after surgery, often combines two or more drugs to maximize its impact. Radiation therapy helps destroy remaining cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk. Targeted therapies, like trastuzumab or pertuzumab for HER2-positive cases, target specific cancer characteristics. For instance, Tucatinib in combination with Capecitabine and Trastuzumab can be effective for metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer.
Breast cancer treatment is complex and tailored to each individual. It may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, often combining multiple approaches. The decision on which treatment is right depends on various factors and should be discussed thoroughly with a care team to ensure the best possible outcome.
