Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy for breast cancer is one of the treatment options to treat the condition. The treatment involves using chemotherapy drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs circulate through the body via the bloodstream targeting and destroying cancer cells. Oncologists often recommend chemotherapy before and/or after breast cancer surgery. Chemotherapy is a common treatment choice for breast cancer, and the growing demand is reflected in the projected worldwide chemotherapy market size, which is expected to hit USD 16.2 billion by 2033, according to a recent research report.

Mostly, chemotherapy is recommended before or/and after breast cancer treatment, however, there are other conditions wherein chemotherapy is quite effective in managing the conditions including:

• Before Surgery (Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy): Chemotherapy is often recommended before surgery to shrink tumours which makes it easier to remove without the need for extensive surgery. It also provides feedback to oncologists on whether a specific chemotherapy drug is effective.

• After Surgery (Adjuvant Chemotherapy): Chemotherapy after surgery is recommended or used to kill any remaining cancerous cells that might have spread or remained in the body. Additionally, there may be cancerous cells that are microscopic or too small to be detected. Chemotherapy after surgery is focused on avoiding recurrence. 

• Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer: Chemotherapy is the primary treatment option for managing and treating the condition when it has spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic conditions may be used along with other treatments like targeted therapy. 

• Treatment of Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of inflammatory breast cancer as the cancer type doesn't cause any distinct tumour or lump to be removed surgically, thus chemotherapy drugs are used as the initial treatment option.

• Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Chemotherapy is commonly used for the treatment and management of triple-negative breast cancer as the type does not have hormone or HER2 receptors, so treatment options like hormone therapy don't work, making chemotherapy an effective option. 

There are various types of chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of breast cancer, an oncologist may use one or more medications depending upon the condition. Some of the types of chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer include:

Anthracyclines: Doxorubicin, Epirubicin

Taxanes: Paclitaxel, Docetaxel

Other Drugs: 5-fluorouracil, Capecitabine, Cyclophosphamide, Carboplatin.

• Hair Loss: Chemotherapy drug is known to cause hair loss in the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and other parts of the body as it targets rapidly growing cells. 

• Fatigue: Fatigue is another common side effect resulting from chemotherapy. This results from the effects of chemotherapy drugs on healthy cells.

• Nausea & Vomiting: Nausea & vomiting is very common during treatment with chemotherapy. The side effects may start during the treatment and continue for two to three weeks after treatment. 

• Changes in Appetite: People may experience a loss in appetite and, a change in taste which can affect their eating habits. However, people regain their appetite after finishing treatment. 

• Nail & Skin Changes: Chemotherapy drugs can cause the skin to become dry and itchy, also the nails may become brittle or discoloured. 

Chemotherapy for breast cancer can be given in a variety of ways. The specific drugs, dosage, and schedule are tailored as per the individual’s breast cancer type and overall health. Some of the ways chemotherapy is given include:

• IV (Intravenous) Infusion: The chemotherapy drugs can be directly given to the bloodstream through a needle inserted in the vein through a catheter in the hand or wrist.

• Oral Chemotherapy: Certain types of chemotherapy drugs are given as pills. Oral chemotherapy might be convenient for certain types of patients.

Chemotherapy for breast cancer is given in cycles involving a period of treatment and a period of rest allowing the body to recover and strengthen. 

Chemotherapy for breast cancer typically lasts for 3 to 6 months, however, the exact duration can vary depending upon the individual case and type of breast cancer. 

Cancer Type	Duration
Early Stage	3 to 6 months
Triple Negative Breast Cancer	5 to 6 months
HER2 Positive Breast Cancer	3 to 6 months
Metastatic Breast Cancer	Ongoing (months to years)

Various factors including the type of drug, the stage of breast cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of side effects can all influence the length of treatment through chemotherapy. 

• Prevents Metastasis: Chemotherapy drugs may circulate through the bloodstream and target cancer cells that may have spread to other parts. 

• Reduce Tumour Size: Chemotherapy is often the preferred choice before surgery as it can help shrink tumours, making it easier to remove. 

• Reduces Recurrence Risk: Chemotherapy can help the recurrence risk by eliminating residual cancer cells after surgery, thus lowering the chances of cancer returning.

• Manages Advanced Cancer: In advanced cancer cases chemotherapy may help control the disease, reduce symptoms, and potentially extend survival.

• Improves Survival: Chemotherapy can help improve survival rates for breast cancer patients, especially for early-stage conditions.

Chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer can have both short-term and long-term side effects. The common short-term side effects include hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, mouth sores, and more. Some of the long-term side effects that may pose risk to health include: 

• Risk of Second Cancer: Certain types of chemotherapy drugs may increase the risk of developing a second cancer later in life. 

• Nerve Damage: Chemotherapy drugs may sometimes lead to nerve damage causing tingling, numbness, etc. It can persist long after the treatment ends.

• Heart Damage: Some types of chemotherapy drugs are known to damage heart muscles resulting in heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.

• Low Blood Count: Chemotherapy can lead to a decrease in blood count which increases the risk of infection, anaemia, or bleeding.

Chemotherapy treatment cycles are scheduled so that there is time between sessions allowing for the body to recover. Additionally, the side effects resulting from the drugs may slow down the recovery at times. Therefore, it is important to take extra care during the tenure. It involves eating well, doing light exercises, practising mindfulness, and more.