Breast cancer chemotherapy

Breast Cancer Chemotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses one or more anti-cancer drugs as part of a standardized chemotherapy regimen. Chemotherapy may be given with a curative intent, or it may aim to prolong life or to reduce symptoms (palliative chemotherapy).

Overview

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue, but with early detection and treatment, most people continue a normal life. Chemotherapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. It involves using drugs to kill cancer cells.

Types of Chemotherapy

There are several types of chemotherapy used in the treatment of breast cancer. These include:

• Anthracyclines: These drugs damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. Examples include doxorubicin and epirubicin.
• Taxanes: These drugs interfere with the ability of cancer cells to divide and grow. Examples include paclitaxel and docetaxel.
• Alkylating Agents: These drugs work by damaging the DNA of cells, which prevents them from dividing and growing. Examples include cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide.
• Antimetabolites: These drugs mimic nutrients that the cells need to grow, but when the cells consume them, they are unable to divide. Examples include methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil.

Side Effects

Chemotherapy drugs can cause side effects, as they can harm healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Side effects can include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and anemia. Some side effects, like nausea and vomiting, can be prevented or reduced with medicines.

Follow-Up Care

After chemotherapy, patients will need regular check-ups, including physical exams and possibly mammograms and other tests. Check-ups help ensure that any changes in health are noted and treated if needed.

See Also

• Cancer treatment
• Breast cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Anthracyclines
• Taxanes
• Alkylating Agents
• Antimetabolites