Recent advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment have significantly transformed patient outcomes and survival rates, according to medics working at the frontline helping survivors on their journey back to good health.
Throughout the month of October, Think Pink campaigners have been raising awareness of the disease and urging women to self-check and go for regular mammograms that can often find breast changes that could be cancer years before physical symptoms develop.
As Royal Bahrain Hospital medical oncologist and hemato-oncologist (RBH) Dr Venkatesh Mushini said: “Targeted therapy, immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are revolutionising the way we treat breast cancer.”
Targeted therapies focus on specific characteristics of cancer cells. “For instance,” Dr Mushini explained: “Treatments targeting HER2-positive breast cancer, such as trastuzumab (herceptin) and newer agents like neratinib, have improved survival for women with this aggressive subtype.”
Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. “Drugs like pembrolizumab have shown promise in treating triple-negative breast cancer,” Dr Mushini added. “Clinical trials are ongoing to further explore the potential of combining immunotherapy with traditional chemotherapy.”
ADCs combine the targeting capability of antibodies with the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy.
“In ADCs,” Dr Mushini explained, “an antibody specifically binds to cancer cell markers (antigens), delivering a potent drug directly to the cancer cells while sparing normal cells. This targeted approach helps to reduce side effects often associated with traditional chemotherapy.”
Advances in personalised medicine, such as genetic testing with oncotype DX, help assess the risk of cancer recurrence and guide treatment decisions. “This allows for more tailored approaches,” Dr Mushini said, “enabling some patients to avoid unnecessary chemotherapy.”
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also making a significant impact. “AI algorithms can analyse mammograms and pathology reports more accurately, leading to early detection and improved treatment strategies,” Dr Mushini added. “The landscape of breast cancer treatment is rapidly evolving with targeted therapies, immunotherapy, personalised medicine, and AI integration.
“These advances not only promise improved efficacy but also contribute to a better quality of life for patients, ultimately paving the way for more successful outcomes in breast cancer management.”
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