Drug treatment given to stop the growth of tumor cells or to destroy them is called chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy treatment is carried out by giving the patient one or several drugs at once (combination). With the application of chemotherapy treatment protocols, a reduction of up to 30 percent in recurrence and death rates is achieved.
Why Is It Done?
While surgery and radiotherapy provide local treatment of breast cancer, chemotherapy and hormone therapy aim at systemic treatment.
In many patients chemotherapy is an approach that supports surgical treatment (adjuvant), but in some cases (for example in widespread disease – the sites to which breast cancer most often spreads are the bones, liver, lungs and brain) it assumes the role of primary treatment. The chemotherapy of breast cancer is still one of the most researched subjects in the world. Adjuvant chemotherapy given after the surgical treatment of breast cancer (mastectomy – removal of the breast, or removal of the lump – lumpectomy) reduces the risk of breast cancer recurring and increases survival time.
When Is It Started?
Chemotherapy is often started in the 2nd-3rd week after the operation. A problem in wound healing may delay chemotherapy; this is not a preferred situation.
How Long Does It Take?
Depending on the chemotherapy regimen chosen, there may be 4, 6 or 8 cycles. Generally a 3-week wait is observed between two treatment periods. Since chemotherapy can suppress the bone marrow and negatively affect the body’s defense system, some blood tests are performed before each treatment.
Does It Have Side Effects?
The benefits of chemotherapy applied in breast cancer are greater than the risks or side effects this treatment brings. The side effects may vary according to the drugs applied, their doses and the chemotherapy regimens. Almost all side effects are temporary.
