Chemotherapy Treatment in Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment

Breast cancer chemotherapy treatment involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. Chemotherapy can be used at different stages of breast cancer and is often used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow uncontrollably and form tumors. If left uncontrolled, these tumors can spread to other parts of the body and can be fatal.
Breast cancer cells begin within the breast milk ducts and/or milk-producing lobules. The earliest form (in situ) is not life-threatening and can be detected in the early stages. Cancer cells can spread (invade) into nearby breast tissue, forming tumors with symptoms such as lumps or thickening.
Invasive cancers can spread (metastasize) to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. Metastasis can be life-threatening and fatal.
Treatment varies depending on the person, the type of cancer, and its spread. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and medication.

What is Chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment used to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing. These drugs travel through the bloodstream and can affect normal cells that divide rapidly as well as cancer cells. Because of this, various side effects can occur during chemotherapy.

In Which Situations Is Chemotherapy Applied in Breast Cancer?

• When Cancer Spreads to Other Parts of the Body: When breast cancer metastasizes and spreads to other parts of the body, surgery is usually no longer an option. Chemotherapy is used as the primary treatment to control the spread of cancer cells.
• In Cases Where Surgery Is Not Possible: In patients where surgery is not appropriate due to the spread of cancer, chemotherapy is preferred as the primary treatment method. This is done to slow down the progression of the disease and protect the general health of the patient.
• In Combination with Targeted Therapy: Chemotherapy is sometimes used with targeted therapy. Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs that attack specific features of cancer cells. This combination can increase the effectiveness of treatment.
• To Improve Quality and Duration of Life: The main goal of chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer cases is to improve the patient's quality and duration of life rather than to cure the disease completely. This treatment is used to relieve the patient's symptoms and enable them to continue their daily life.

Who is Not Applied to Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer?

• Patients with Poor General Health: Chemotherapy is a treatment method that can have strong side effects on the body. Chemotherapy can be risky for patients with poor general health or other serious health problems, and these patients are usually exempt from chemotherapy.
• Elderly Patients: Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of chemotherapy. Therefore, chemotherapy may not be recommended for older patients or patients whose health conditions make it difficult to tolerate chemotherapy.
• Types of Cancer Resistant to Chemotherapy: Some types of breast cancer may be resistant to chemotherapy. In these cases, alternative treatment methods are preferred because chemotherapy is thought to be ineffective.
• Pregnant Women: Chemotherapy during certain periods of pregnancy can be risky for both mother and baby. Chemotherapy, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, carries a risk of harming the fetus. Therefore, chemotherapy is carefully evaluated for women who are pregnant and is usually postponed or alternative treatment methods are used.
• Those Who Have Previously Received Heavy Chemotherapy Treatment: Re-administration of chemotherapy may be risky for patients who have previously received intensive chemotherapy and have experienced serious side effects from that treatment. Different treatment options are considered for these patients.
• Patient Preference: Some patients may decline chemotherapy due to its side effects and potential negative impact on quality of life. In this case, the patient and doctor work on alternative treatment plans while respecting the patient's preferences.

What are the possible side effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer?

Side effects of chemotherapy can vary depending on the drugs used and the patient's overall health. Common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Increased risk of infection
• Mouth sores
• Loss of appetite

How Effective Is Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment?

The effectiveness of breast cancer chemotherapy treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer and the individual patient's response. Chemotherapy is generally effective in stopping the growth and spread of cancer cells. However, the response to treatment can vary from person to person.

How Long Does Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Treatment Last?

The length of breast cancer chemotherapy treatment varies depending on the treatment plan and the drugs used. Chemotherapy is usually given over periods of several weeks or months. Each period is called a chemotherapy session, with rest periods between sessions to allow the body to recover.