Adjuvant therapy for breast cancer is a critical component of treatment designed to reduce the risk of cancer returning after the primary treatment, typically surgery, has removed the visible tumor. This additional therapy can involve chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, and is tailored to each patient’s individual cancer type and stage.
What is Adjunctive Therapy in Oncology?
Adjunctive therapy, also known as supportive therapy, refers to treatments and interventions used alongside primary cancer treatments. These therapies are designed to improve the effectiveness of the main treatments, manage side effects, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment. While adjunctive therapies don’t replace primary treatments, they play a critical role in a comprehensive cancer care plan.
Types of Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer
There are several types of adjunctive therapies used in oncology, each serving a unique purpose in supporting patients:
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is often used after surgery, especially in cases where the cancer is more aggressive or has spread to lymph nodes. Chemotherapy drugs work by targeting and killing rapidly dividing cells, including any remaining cancer cells in the body. When It’s Used: Chemotherapy is typically recommended for patients with high-risk breast cancers, including those with large tumors or positive lymph nodes.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and is often used after lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) to eliminate any residual cancer cells in the breast or surrounding areas.
- Hormone Therapy: Hormone (endocrine) therapy is used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, which grow in response to hormones like estrogen or progesterone. Hormone therapy works by either blocking the body's ability to produce hormones or preventing cancer cells from using these hormones to grow.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy focuses on specific proteins or genes that contribute to cancer growth. For patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, drugs that target the HER2 protein are often used as part of adjuvant therapy.
- Immunotherapy: In some cases, immunotherapy may be used in combination with other treatments to enhance the body’s immune response to breast cancer cells.
How Is Adjuvant Therapy Chosen?
The decision to use adjuvant therapy depends on several factors:
- Tumor size: Larger tumors often have a higher risk of recurrence, which makes adjuvant therapy more likely.
- Lymph node involvement: If cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, there is a higher chance that it may return, warranting adjuvant therapy.
- Hormone receptor status: Hormone receptor-positive cancers often benefit from hormone therapy.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy focuses on specific proteins or genes that contribute to cancer growth. For patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, drugs that target the HER2 protein are often used as part of adjuvant therapy.
- HER2 status: HER2-positive cancers typically require targeted therapies like trastuzumab.
Benefits of Adjuvant Therapy
- Reduces Recurrence Risk: Adjuvant therapy significantly lowers the chance that cancer will return, especially in patients with higher-risk breast cancers.
- Improves Survival Rates: By targeting any remaining cancer cells, adjuvant therapy can extend overall survival for many breast cancer patients.
- Treats Microscopic Disease: Even if no visible cancer is present after surgery, adjuvant therapy addresses any residual cancer cells that may lead to future disease.
- Are complementary therapies like yoga or meditation considered adjunctive therapies?
Yes, complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture are considered forms of adjunctive therapy. While they are not substitutes for medical treatment, they can be valuable in managing stress, pain, and other side effects of cancer treatment.
Conclusion:
Adjuvant therapy is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer, significantly reducing the risk of recurrence and improving survival outcomes. For patients at higher risk of recurrence, adjuvant treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy can help provide peace of mind and a stronger chance of long-term remission.