When it comes to breast cancer treatment in Delhi, the first thing people think of is chemotherapy. The treatment is used to shrink cancer cells and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in survivors. However, a European study conducted with more than 6000 breast cancer patients concluded that around 46% of patients do not need chemotherapy. The study utilized a genomic test of women with different types of breast cancer (with a majority of estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer patients) at different stages to determine the risk of cancer recurrence.
Breast cancer treatments other than chemotherapy
There are alternative treatment options for those who do not prefer or require chemotherapy. They are:
Surgery:
Surgery is one of the first and preferred treatment options for breast cancer treatment in India. Many patients with stage 1 of cancer undergo surgery followed by radiation, hormonal, or chemotherapies. For breast cancer patients, the surgery options include partial mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and mastectomy. In some cases, BCS is accompanied by breast reconstructive surgery.
Hormonal therapy:
For patients with either estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive breast cancers, hormonal therapy is the most effective and preferred treatment by a cancer specialist in Delhi NCR. In some cases, hormonal therapy is accompanied by surgery either before or after the treatment.
Radiation therapy:
Radiation therapy is often combined with surgery by the best oncologist in Noida. They are primarily used to shrink cancer cells before lumpectomy, and if needed, after the surgery.
Targeted therapy:
Targeted therapy involves prescribing drugs that are specific to different types of tumors, genes, tissues, etc. This type of treatment works differently from chemotherapy, restricting cancer cell growth without damaging healthy ones. To get the best result, your cancer doctor will run several tests before starting this treatment.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy boosts a patient's immune system to fight and eradicate the cancer cells.
Factors deciding possible breast cancer treatments
The best breast cancer doctor in Delhi considers certain factors before deciding on a particular treatment course. They do so because the effectiveness of treatments depends on the characteristics of the cancer growth. Some factors counted include:
Cancer stage: Early stages of cancer do not require chemotherapy; surgery is enough to remove cancer, followed by radiation therapy. However, as cancer progresses, the need for chemo increases.
Size of the tumor: Depending on the size of the tumor, a cancer specialist may choose chemotherapy or radiation before or after surgery.
Hormonal receptors: If a patient has an ER or PR positive breast cancer, hormonal therapy is chosen as a treatment option.
Why consult Dr. Manish Singhal
Dr. Manish Singhal is considered among the best cancer specialists in the country with his immense experience and vast knowledge in cancer care and treatments. Mentored by the best in AIIMS, Dr. Singhal, with his keen interest in the welfare of his patients, has developed his skills and industry knowledge with continued training. Combining his passion and calling in life, Dr. Manish Singhal is among the best cancer doctors in the country to consult.