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This page discusses the use of chemotherapy for the treatment of breast cancer. For a thorough review of chemotherapy for cancer treatment, please see the chemotherapy treatment monograph .
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. The drugs may be used to kill cancer cells that have spread beyond the breast (metastasized) or to shrink existing tumors in preparation for cancer surgery (in this case called “neoadjuvant chemotherapy”). In order to attack cancer cells that may have traveled to other parts of the body, the drugs work systemically. This means they are either absorbed orally or injected intravenously to treat distant sites in the body. Often, chemotherapy is given in conjunction with other treatment regimens, such as radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and/or surgery.
Most chemotherapy is administered through the vein (intravenously or by IV), although some types may be given orally. If you are receiving intravenous chemotherapy, you will need to have it administered in a doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic. The visits usually last from 2–6 hours, but this may also include consultation with your health care provider.
Treatments will vary according to what type of drug(s) you take. The number of cycles of therapy differs with the clinical situation and the type of drugs. Doses of chemotherapy may be given weekly up to every 4 weeks. Your medical oncologist will tell you how many cycles or courses of chemotherapy are best for you.
There are over 35 chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer. Most breast cancer regimens combine one or more chemotherapy drugs together to mount a stronger attack on cancer cells. The most commonly used drugs include:
The chemotherapy combination regimens commonly used to treat breast cancer include the following:
Most chemotherapy does result in certain long- and/or short-term side effects, which are caused by the destruction of normal cells in addition to cancer cells. The side effects will depend on the type of chemotherapy you receive, as well as how many cycles you receive and how often.
The most common chemotherapy-associated side effects are:
Late complications from chemotherapy are rare but may include damage to the heart (cardiomyopathy) or damage to the bone marrow resulting in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or leukemia .
For more information on chemotherapy, including how to manage the side effects, please see the chemotherapy treatment monograph .
Sources:
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
Fischer DS, Tish Knobf M, Durivage HJ. The Cancer Chemotherapy Handbook , 5th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book; 1997.
Harris JR, Lippman ME, Morrow M, Osborne CK. Diseases of the Breast . Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 1999.
Last reviewed February 2003 by John Erban, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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