A Glimpse of Breast Cancer Medications
Breast Cancer medication is an essential aspect of the treatment journey for those diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
If detected early on, Breast Cancer treatment can be very successful, with a survival probability of 90% or higher.
This treatment may include a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Navigating these medication options can be overwhelming, especially since the stage and type of cancer can greatly impact the best course of therapy.
This article will explore some common Breast Cancer medications and their side effects.
Hormone therapy medications
Hormone therapy stops or slows down the growth of cancer cells, which use hormones to thrive.
It uses medicines to prevent hormones (especially Estrogen) that fuel the growth of Breast Cancer cells.
These medications include Tamoxifen for women pre and post-menopause.
Aromatase is another enzyme that is used by the body to make Estrogen which helps certain types of cancer cells to grow.
Aromatase inhibitors include salts such as Anastrozole, Exemestane, and Letrozole for women who have attained menopause.
Elacestrant is an oral medication that binds to the estrogen receptors and is specifically designed to treat post-menopausal women or men with advanced breast cancers that have an ESR1 mutation.
Fulvestrant is a medication that inhibits Estrogen from attaching to cancer cells and is given through an injection.
Medicines for targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is the foundation of precision medication.
It is a type of cancer treatment targeting the proteins that control the growth, division, and spread of cancer cells.
It includes salts, such as the following, which trigger the immune system of the body to help destroy the cancer cells.
- Margetuximab
- Pertuzumab
- Trastuzumab
It also includes Kinase inhibitors which are often used in conjunction with aromatase inhibitors (which lower the Estrogen levels) or another medication in people with specific types of advanced cancer. These include:
- Abemaciclib
- Palbociclib
- Ribociclib
PARP inhibitors are a new class of medications that targets the protein present inside the cancer cells.
Olaparib and Talazoparib are examples of PARP inhibitors.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a kind of biological therapy that can be used as a cancer treatment.
It uses your own immune system to fight cancer.
Pembrolizumab is one such salt that is recommended along with chemotherapy in the treatment of Triple-negative Breast Cancer.
Another medication that falls under the category of immunotherapy includes Sacituzumab govitecan-hziy.
It has also been approved for treating Triple-negative Breast Cancer.
Note that the medications listed in the above sections do not form an exhaustive list.
Many other medications fall into these categories, and you can follow this link to National Cancer Institute to see a more comprehensive Breast Cancer drugs list.
Side effects of treatment
Side effects from most Breast Cancer treatments are inevitable.
Many of these side effects go away on stopping the therapy, while some of these might show up later.
The most commonly observed adverse effects include the following:
- Weight gain or loss
- Hair loss
- Nausea
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Skin or nail changes
These are not the only changes you might observe.
The kind of treatment and medications involved will also determine the kind and extent of these side effects.
Consult your doctor for the best guidance about the effects of the recommended treatment plan.
Takeaway
In conclusion, Breast Cancer medication plays an important role in the management and treatment of the disease.
With more and more research, several treatment options are now available, including an expanding range of breast cancer medications.
The choice of medication, however, depends upon each individual case, and treatment plans are tailored to cater to individual needs.
Tamoxifen, Palbociclib, Arimidex, etc. are some of the commonly prescribed medications to treat Breast Cancer.
Working proactively with a healthcare professional can help ensure the best possible outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best medication for Breast Cancer?
The best medication for Breast Cancer will depend upon the type and stage of the cancer. Other factors, like age, health status, etc., also affect. It is essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to make a personalized treatment plan that takes care of all these factors.
Is there a cancer pill for Breast Cancer?
Yes, cancer pills can be prescribed to patients to be taken orally. These pills kill the cancer cells or block the growth and spread of cancer cells. The kind of medicine prescribed depends on the type of Breast Cancer, stage, patient’s medical history, and other factors.
What are the 4 treatments for Breast Cancer?
The four treatments for Breast Cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy. Other treatment options also include targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Your healthcare professional will decide the most suitable form of treatment based on the stage, type, location of the cancer, and other factors.
Can cancer be treated with tablets?
Yes, oral chemotherapy is a drug that fights cancer and is given in tablets, capsules, or even liquids. It is prescribed by your doctor and has the same risks and benefits as that of intravenous chemotherapy. Today, many patients with cancer are given oral chemotherapy as a treatment.
What tablets stop cancer from returning?
No medication can guarantee prevention from cancer recurrence, but certain medications can help lower the risk. These are called chemoprevention drugs. These medications are not typically used in cancer treatment, and taking them does not guarantee full protection from developing cancer in the future.
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