1. Surgery: A Cornerstone of Breast Cancer Treatment
Surgery remains one of the most common and effective treatments for breast cancer, particularly when the cancer is detected early. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor or the entire breast tissue in more advanced cases. There are two primary types of surgeries for breast cancer: lumpectomy (removal of the tumor) and mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Surgery is often followed by additional treatments to ensure all cancerous cells are eradicated.
After surgery, other treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy may be recommended to ensure that any remaining cancer cells are destroyed.
2. Chemotherapy: Systemic Treatment to Kill Cancer Cells
Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that uses powerful drugs to target and kill cancer cells throughout the body. Unlike surgery or radiation, which are localized treatments, chemotherapy circulates through the bloodstream and can target cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body.
Common chemotherapy drugs used in breast cancer treatment include Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide, Paclitaxel, and Docetaxel. These drugs are often used in combination depending on the type and stage of breast cancer. Chemotherapy can also be combined with other therapies, such as Ibrance (palbociclib), which is used to target specific proteins involved in cell division, helping to reduce tumor growth in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
3. Targeted Therapy: Precision Medicine to Attack Cancer Cells
Targeted therapy uses drugs to specifically target the molecules that contribute to cancer growth. Unlike chemotherapy, which can affect healthy cells, targeted therapies are designed to zero in on cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells.
For example, in HER2-positive breast cancer, Her2-targeted therapies such as Trazimera (trastuzumab) and Tukysa (tucatinib) are commonly used. Her2 is a protein that, when overexpressed, promotes the growth of cancer cells. These targeted drugs block the Her2 protein and prevent cancer cells from multiplying. Trazimera, a biosimilar to Herceptin, is used in the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, while Tukysa works by blocking the HER2 receptor at the cellular level, often in combination with other medications like Trastuzumab.
For HR-positive breast cancers, treatments like Ibrance (palbociclib) and Rytelo (ribociclib) help stop cancer cells from dividing. These medications are often used in combination with aromatase inhibitors like Letrozole to block estrogen, which can fuel the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers.
4. Hormone Therapy: Blocking Hormones That Fuel Cancer Growth
Many breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, meaning they grow in response to hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Hormone therapy works by blocking the hormones or altering their effects on cancer cells. Drugs such as Tamoxifen and Aromatase inhibitors like Letrozole are commonly used for this type of cancer.
In addition to these, newer agents such as Orserdu (elacestrant), a selective estrogen receptor degrader (SERD), are now being used to target estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Orserdu has been shown to reduce the levels of the estrogen receptor in cancer cells, which helps stop cancer from growing.
5. Immunotherapy and PARP Inhibitors: A New Frontier in Breast Cancer Treatment
While chemotherapy, surgery, and targeted therapies remain the backbone of breast cancer treatment, newer treatments such as immunotherapy and PARP inhibitors have shown promise, especially for more aggressive types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan) is an immunotherapy drug that works by attaching a chemotherapy drug to an antibody that specifically targets the tumor cells. It has been used in treating TNBC, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Talazoparib (Talzenna) is a PARP inhibitor that interferes with cancer cell repair mechanisms, especially in cancers with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Talazoparib is particularly effective in treating breast cancer patients with these genetic mutations. It works by blocking the PARP enzyme, which is essential for repairing DNA in cells. This approach helps prevent the cancer cells from repairing themselves, ultimately leading to their death.
Venetoclax, another targeted therapy, is used in cases where breast cancer cells have become resistant to chemotherapy. It works by inhibiting the BCL-2 protein that helps cancer cells survive, allowing the body’s immune system to destroy the cancer cells.
Conclusion
Breast cancer treatment has come a long way with the advent of new therapies that target specific aspects of cancer growth. From traditional approaches like surgery and chemotherapy to advanced targeted therapies like Nubeqa, Tukysa, Ibrance, and Trazimera, these treatments offer hope for better outcomes and longer survival rates.
In addition, PARP inhibitors like Talazoparib and immunotherapy drugs like Trodelvy are breaking new ground in treating more aggressive forms of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer. As treatment options continue to evolve, patients have more tools than ever to fight breast cancer and live longer, healthier lives.
Consulting with an oncologist is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific breast cancer type and stage. With ongoing research and new therapies emerging, the future looks promising for breast cancer patients worldwide.
