Breast Cancer Treatment: Medical Oncology
Medical oncology focuses on treatments that work throughout the body, also called systemic therapy. At Lowcountry Oncology Associates, our physicians design treatment plans that are personalized for each patient. These plans are often coordinated with surgery and radiation therapy to give you the most effective care.
We explain every option clearly, so you know what to expect and feel supported through each step of treatment.
Talk to us about treatment and we will help you understand your plan.
How Plans Are Made
Every treatment plan is unique. Your physician will consider:
- The type and stage of your cancer
- Whether surgery or radiation is part of the plan
- Results from your biopsy, receptor testing (ER/PR/HER2), and genomic assays
- Your overall health and personal preferences
Systemic therapy may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink a tumor, or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to reduce the risk of cancer returning. In some cases, systemic therapy is the main treatment if surgery is not an option.
Hormone Therapy
If your cancer is fueled by estrogen or progesterone (ER-positive or PR positive), hormone therapy may be recommended. These medicines block hormones or lower their levels, helping to slow or stop cancer growth. Hormone therapy is often taken as a daily pill for several years to block estrogen receptors or lower hormone levels.
Targeted Therapy (Including HER2 and CDK4/6)
Targeted therapies work by focusing on specific changes in cancer cells.
- HER2-directed therapy: For cancers that are HER2 positive, medicines such as trastuzumab target the HER2 protein and block signals that make the cancer grow.
- CDK4/6 inhibitors: For some hormone receptor-positive cancers, CDK4/6 inhibitors are combined with hormone therapy to slow cancer cell division and improve outcomes.
These treatments are often given with fewer side effects than chemotherapy, but they are only effective if your cancer tests positive for the related markers.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines that travel through the bloodstream to destroy fast-growing cancer cells. It may be recommended before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or in advanced disease.
Chemotherapy is usually given in cycles, with rest periods between to allow your body to recover. Some regimens are completed in just a few months, while others last longer, depending on your cancer type.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps your own immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. This treatment is used in certain cases, especially for triple-negative breast cancers. Your physician will let you know if immunotherapy is appropriate for your specific situation.
Managing Side Effects
All treatments can cause side effects, but there are many ways to manage them. Common side effects may include fatigue, hair loss, nausea, hot flashes, or changes in appetite.
Our team will talk with you about what to expect and provide medications, nutrition guidance, and supportive care to help you feel as well as possible during treatment. Nurse navigators, social workers, and survivorship resources are also available to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy?
- Neoadjuvant therapy is given before surgery to shrink a tumor and make it easier to remove.
- Adjuvant therapy is given after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer coming back.
What is HER2-directed therapy?
HER2-directed therapy is a treatment for breast cancers that test positive for HER2. These medicines block HER2 signals and slow or stop tumor growth.
What are CDK4/6 inhibitors?
CDK4/6 inhibitors are medicines that block enzymes called cyclin-dependent kinases. When combined with hormone therapy, they can slow cancer growth in certain hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
Will I need chemotherapy?
Not every patient needs chemotherapy. Your care team will recommend it only if it is likely to add meaningful benefit to your treatment plan.
How are side effects managed?
Side effects vary by treatment, but our team will monitor you closely, prescribe medicines to reduce symptoms, and connect you with supportive care services.
Take the Next Step
Understanding breast cancer treatment can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate it alone. The team at Lowcountry Oncology Associates will explain your options, guide you through each stage, and provide the support you need.