The news of being diagnosed with breast cancer can be horrific, leaving you feeling lost and hopeless. But for those diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), the challenges can be even more daunting. MBC is an advanced form of breast cancer that can spread from the breast to other parts of the body, making treatment more complex. But what if the latest innovations in medicine and technology could change its harsh reality? The latest breakthroughs in immunotherapy, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine can help you regain control and live a longer life. We spoke to Dr Chandragouda Dodagoudar, Director, Medical Oncology, BLK-MAX Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, who explained the innovations transforming MBC treatment.
Metastatic Breast Cancer in India
"India faces several unique challenges in the fight against MBC. The most prominent challenges are limited access to healthcare facilities and low awareness about MBC. Not only this, societal stigma in some communities is another contributing factor," said Dr Dodagoudar.
This leads to women seeking medical attention only in the later stages of the disease when the treatment options are complex or limited. However, there is potential for improved outcomes and survival rates for cancer patients. This can be possible with the introduction of innovative therapies tailored to the genetic and clinical profiles of patients.
Also Read: Does Cold Weather Affect Mammogram Accuracy? Doctor Debunks Breast Cancer Myths
Advanced Therapies that Extend Beyond Chemotherapy
According to the World Journal of Clinical Oncology (WJCO), approximately 60% of Indian cases are diagnosed with breast cancer in stages III and IV of the disease. Also, nearly 30% of women, who are diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer may experience the disease metastasize and spread to other organs, as stated by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).
"Ongoing advancements in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in recent years have resulted in a range of innovative treatment options. New-generation medications for HER2-positive and hormone receptor-positive breast cancers have shown remarkable effectiveness," said Dr Dodagoudar.
These therapeutic methods attack all the cancerous cells while retaining other healthy tissues without side effects, thereby improving the quality of life of their patients. All these advanced methods put very minimal hurdles in the day-to-day activity of most such living patients.
Breakthroughs in Immune Therapy
Triple-negative metastatic breast cancer, which was once considered difficult to treat, saw a significant revolution in treatment. New treatments have been effective in helping the immune system fight cancer cells. "Also, personalised vaccines have shown a promising approach by tailoring to each person's specific cancer profile. These vaccines have long-lasting results, offering new hope for people with this type of cancer. Such treatments have been successful in some cases where traditional treatments didn't work, raising hopes for patients," added Dr Dodagoudar.
Alsoi Read: What Is Inflammatory Breast Cancer? Understanding Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment
Role of AI Precision Medicine
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the diagnosis and treatment approach of MBC by performing molecular profiling and predictive analytics very quickly, thus aiding in early detection.
AI algorithms can rapidly analyse tumour profiles to determine the most effective therapies. On the other hand, predictive tools can help predict disease progression, allowing doctors to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
"As a result, these new technologies can make cancer more accessible, especially in areas where there is a limited number of experts. For example, AI-powered tools can analyse images and detect cancer risk, even in places without specialised doctors," explained Dr Dodagoudar.
Bottomline
Dr Dodagoudar concluded, "Detecting metastasis early and monitoring how well treatment is working are crucial aspects of treating MBC. The use of liquid biopsies, minimally invasive tests that analyze circulating tumour DNA in the blood, has become an essential tool for advanced diagnostics. Additionally, high-resolution imaging technologies have significantly improved our ability to track the spread of diseases, allowing for timely interventions with unprecedented accuracy."
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]