Innovation in Breast Cancer Treatment
Table of Content
Summary
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women globally, with millions of cases diagnosed every year. Breast cancer occurs when the cells of the breast tissue mutate and start multiplying very fast. Tumors begin to form in the breast tissue. Recent innovations like 3D mammography have made the screening process more efficient, aiding early diagnosis. Tumor profiling is another cutting-edge technique that helps personalize breast cancer treatment for better outcomes.
Immunotherapy has also emerged as a promising approach for certain types of breast cancer. Advanced surgical techniques like oncoplastic surgery and Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) have also proven to improve patient care and recovery times. These procedures reduce the total treatment time, improving the patient’s experience. Additionally, post-mastectomy procedures like 3D nipple areolar complex tattoos help restore a natural appearance to the breast, improving the patient’s confidence and sense of normalcy.
Introduction to Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women worldwide. Millions of cases are diagnosed every year. Breast cancer occurs when cells of the breast tissue start growing at uncontrolled rates, forming tumors. These cancerous tumors can metastasize and spread to other parts of the body. Detecting the cancerous tumors early gives oncologists a much better shot at stopping the disease from spreading, and eliminating the cancer from the body completely. It is possible to detect breast cancer early through regular breast self-exams and screening tests like mammograms. The survival rate for breast cancer has improved in recent years due to innovation in diagnosis and treatment methods. In this article, we will explore some of these advancements.
Innovation in Breast Cancer Diagnosis – 3D Mammography
3D Mammography is a novel technology that captures X-rays of the breast at multiple angles and creates a 3D digital image of it. This allows oncologists to visualize the breast more accurately and examine the scans layer by layer. The 3D mammogram can be used for breast cancer screening, as well as to investigate mass in the breast, pain or nipple discharge. The 3D mammogram technology is becoming increasingly popular, for the advantages it offers in detecting breast cancer early. The 3D mammogram is a safe procedure but carries the minimal risk of exposure to low levels of radiation that all X-ray scans are associated with. If you are scheduling a 3D mammogram, try to choose a time when your breasts aren’t likely to be tender and painful. Avoid the week before or during your period. It is also recommended that you avoid anti-perspirants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes under your arms on the day of the 3D mammogram, as any metallic particles present on the skin can interfere with imaging.
Patient Testimonial
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– Bommana Rajshree
Tumour Profiling
Oncologists and cancer researchers are increasingly of the opinion that cancer treatment cannot take a “One size Fits all” approach. Each tumor behaves in a unique way and this must be factored into the treatment plan. Earlier, the main considerations that decided the course of cancer treatment were the tumor’s stage and how many hormone receptors it had. Tumor profiling tests identify the genetic characteristics of the cancer cells removed during the biopsy. An understanding of the cancer genes helps predict whether the cancer will metastasize and whether it will respond well to hormone therapy. This is vital information that your oncologist can use to devise the right treatment plan.
Using Immunotherapy to fight Breast cancer
Immunotherapy can be used to treat Breast cancer by mobilizing the immune system to fight against cancer cells. Historically, experts believed breast cancer to be “immunologically silent”, i.e. they thought the immune system couldn’t detect breast cancer cells. However, recent clinical trials have shown that immunotherapy can be effective against HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer. (CAR) T- cell therapy is a type of immunotherapy that was developed to treat patients with HER2-positive breast cancer that has metastasized to the brain. An important aspect of using immunotherapy is to ensure the healthy cells do not become targets. To do this, certain proteins on the immune cells are used as “check-points” to turn on the immune response. Breast cancer patients are given medications that turn on the immune response against breast cancer cells. An example of this is PD-1 inhibitors, which are often used to shrink tumors before surgery. Patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer have also been successfully given a combination of Herceptin and Perjeta (immune-targeted therapy drugs) as a first-line treatment.
3D Nipple Areolar Complex Tattoos
Mastectomy surgery is one of the most effective ways of treating breast cancer. During the surgical removal of the breast cancer tumors, the nipple and areola often need to be removed as well. This dramatically changes the appearance of the breasts after surgery, and can affect the patient’s confidence. 3D nipple areolar complex tattoos are a reconstructive option that restores a more natural appearance to the breasts. This innovative technique uses multiple shades of non-toxic ink to create a realistic tattoo of the nipple and areola. The surgeons who specialize in this technique have a good understanding of skin tone, highlights and shadows. The tattoo done using this technique is not actually 3D, but has a realistic 3D looking appearance.
Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)
Traditionally, the tumor removal surgery is done first, and patients undergo follow-up radiation therapy sessions for 4 to 6 weeks after. Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT) is a relatively new technique, in which radiation therapy is administered during a lumpectomy (surgery to remove breast cancer tumor). The radiation is administered in a single dose, directly targeted at the tumor site, while the rest of the body is shielded. This reduces the amount of radiation the healthy tissue is exposed to. It also allows the patient to get their surgery and radiation in one day, after which they can focus on recovery. IORT is very effective, especially in women who have been diagnosed in the early stages.
Oncoplastic Breast Surgery
Oncoplastic breast surgery combines breast tumor removal with reconstructive surgery. Once the tumor is removed, it leaves a void that needs to be filled to retain a symmetric and aesthetic appearance. The oncoplastic procedure starts with tumor removal and follows it up immediately with implant placement. This eliminates the need for a second surgery, allowing the patient to recover quicker. It also spares them the stigma of having to live with a physical “deformity”. This goes a long way in helping them stay positive and manage their mental health, which in turn helps in recovering better from the surgery. Sometimes, symmetry is achieved by operating on the breast which is unaffected by cancer as well, through bi-lateral breast reduction. This option works better for women with larger breasts.
Depend on the highly skilled team of experts at Kauvery Hospital to guide you through your journey with breast cancer. We provide state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and innovative treatment options across our branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy. Reach out to us today to experience compassionate and comprehensive care. Encourage early detection and treatment for a cancer-free life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the latest innovations in breast cancer diagnosis?
3D mammography provides a clearer, multi-angle view of breast tissue, improving early detection and diagnosis accuracy.
How does tumor profiling help in breast cancer treatment?
Tumor profiling identifies the genetic makeup of cancer cells, allowing oncologists to personalize treatment for better outcomes.
Can immunotherapy be used to treat breast cancer?
Yes, immunotherapy boosts the immune system to target cancer cells, especially in HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer cases.
What is Intraoperative Radiation Therapy (IORT)?
IORT delivers radiation directly to the tumor site during surgery, reducing overall treatment time and protecting healthy tissues.
How do 3D nipple areolar complex tattoos help post-mastectomy patients?
These tattoos create a realistic nipple appearance, restoring confidence and a sense of normalcy for patients after mastectomy.
What is oncoplastic breast surgery?
It combines tumor removal with immediate breast reconstruction, maintaining breast symmetry and reducing the need for additional surgeries.
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