New Treatments for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is typically associated with women. However, did you know that men can get it, too? Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of breast tissues and spread locally within the breast. But it can also spread regionally to the surrounding lymph nodes and to other organs, such as the liver, brain, lungs, and bones. 

The first indication that you should see your doctor and get breast cancer screening is when you discover a lump in your breast. However, there are other signs, such as a change in the size or shape of the breast. You may also find swollen, red, or scaly skin, or notice some dimples that resemble orange peel. Changes to the areola and inward-turning nipple may also be signs that you should not ignore.

Your doctor can determine what type of breast cancer you have as a result of the tests given to you. Breast cancer usually starts to grow in the milk-producing glands or in the ducts that carry the milk to the nipple. The growth rate and the way they spread vary.

Several types of breast cancer exist, which are broken into two primary categories: non-invasive (in situ) and invasive, and they are used to describe the most common types of breast cancer. You can know more about breast cancer and other related information by visiting https://belong.life/breast-cancer.

The non-invasive types of cancer are Lobular Carcinoma in situ and Ductal Carcinoma in situ.
On the other hand, there are two invasive types of breast cancer: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma and Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.

The newest breast cancer treatments

Right now, new targeted therapies are used for the treatment of breast cancer, which can be used by itself or combined with other therapies. Targeted therapies mean that the treatment directly aims at the cancer cells or the particular processes that promote the growth of cancer cells. Target therapy is increasingly becoming a preferred option because it causes fewer side effects.

• Immunotherapy. Patients are given specific medication to help the immune system recognize and fight the cancer-causing cells.
  

• Poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. This type of treatment blocks the repair process of DNA and may cause the death of cancer cells.
  

•  With this treatment, the protein called mTOR is blocked. Blocking the protein can stop the growth of cancer cells. At the same time, it prevents new blood cells from growing. Tumors need new blood cells for their further growth.
  

• Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. This treatment works by blocking the cyclin-dependent kinases, a group of proteins that contribute to cancer cell growth. Doctors believe that combining hormone therapy with cyclin-dependent kinases inhibitors can be effective in advanced breast cancer treatment.
  

• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Using this treatment helps in blocking the body's signals for the tumors to grow and may be used with other anticancer drugs as ancillary therapy.
  

• Monoclonal antibodies. These are artificial immune systems proteins that are made in the lab for cancer and other diseases. The antibodies kill the cancer cells by attaching to a particular protein on cancer cells. These antibodies are given to a patient through an intravenous drip. They can be used alone or used to carry radioactive materials, toxins, or drugs directly to the cancer cells.
  

See your doctor at the first sign of abnormality you notice to ensure that it is not as debilitating as breast cancer.

Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/SMxzEaidR20

This is a guest blog entry.