Ask Your Doctor About Different Breast Cancer Treatments
There are many different types of breast cancer treatments that can be tailored to the needs of each individual patient. The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, hormone receptor and HER2 status, genetic mutations like BRCA and overall health. Below are some of the most commonly used breast cancer treatments.
1. Talzenna (Talazoparib)
Talzenna is an oral medication used to treat HER2-negative breast cancer in people who have inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations. It is often prescribed for patients whose cancer has spread (metastatic breast cancer) and who have already received chemotherapy.
Talzenna belongs to a group of drugs called PARP inhibitors. These work by blocking an enzyme called PARP that cancer cells use to repair their DNA. When PARP is blocked, the cancer cells accumulate damage and eventually die. Because normal cells can often repair DNA in other ways, they are less affected by the drug, making it a targeted and effective option.
2. Ibrance (Palbociclib)
Ibrance is a medication used to treat HR-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, which is one of the most common subtypes of breast cancer. It is taken as a pill and is usually combined with hormone therapy such as letrozole or fulvestrant.
Ibrance works by blocking proteins called CDK4 and CDK6, which are important for cell division. When these proteins are inhibited, cancer cells can't multiply as quickly, which helps slow the progression of the disease. This treatment can help people live longer without their cancer worsening.
3. Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is often used for breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive), meaning they grow in response to hormones like estrogen or progesterone. The goal of hormone therapy is to block the cancer's ability to use these hormones.
Common hormone therapy drugs include tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane. These drugs can either block hormone receptors or lower the levels of hormones in the body. Hormone therapy can be used before or after surgery, or as a long-term treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence.
4. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. It can be given intravenously or in pill form and is often used when the cancer is aggressive or has spread to other parts of the body.
While chemotherapy is effective, it can also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects like fatigue, nausea, hair loss and increased risk of infection. Despite the side effects, chemotherapy remains a key tool, especially for triple-negative breast cancer, which does not respond to hormone therapy or HER2-targeted drugs.
5. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific genes or proteins that help cancer cells grow. One of the most well-known forms of targeted therapy is for HER2-positive breast cancer, which involves drugs that target the HER2 protein found on cancer cells.
Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Perjeta (pertuzumab) are commonly used HER2-targeted drugs. These are often combined with chemotherapy and are highly effective at slowing or stopping the growth of HER2-positive tumors. Other newer options like Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) combine HER2-targeted therapy with chemotherapy in one drug.
6. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a newer type of treatment that helps the body's own immune system fight cancer. It is especially promising for certain cases of triple-negative breast cancer.
Drugs like atezolizumab (an immune checkpoint inhibitor) are used in combination with chemotherapy to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy is not yet standard for all breast cancers, but research in this area is growing rapidly.
7. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells in the breast, chest wall or lymph nodes.
This treatment is usually done over several weeks and is painless, though it can cause fatigue and skin irritation. Radiation therapy can significantly reduce the risk of cancer returning in the treated area.
8. Surgery
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for breast cancer. There are two main types:
- Lumpectomy. Removes only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy. Removes the entire breast and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.
Surgery may be followed by other treatments like chemotherapy, radiation or hormone therapy to lower the risk of recurrence. In some cases, women choose to have reconstructive surgery to rebuild the shape of the breast.
Final Notes
Breast cancer treatment has come a long way, offering more personalized and effective options than ever before. From targeted drugs like Talzenna and Ibrance, to traditional approaches like surgery and chemotherapy, the goal is always the same: to control the cancer, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Each person’s treatment journey is unique, and working with a team of healthcare providers can help create the best plan for recovery and long-term health.