Secondary Breast Cancer Treatment

There is no cure for secondary breast cancer, but there are treatments available that can help control the symptoms and the spread of the cancer. These treatments are available to help women manage their pain associated with the cancer. Treatments available will vary based on the type of secondary breast cancer that you are experiencing.

Hormone Blocking Therapy

Estrogen, a female hormone, is needed by some kinds of cancer to grow and reproduce. Hormone blocking therapy can be given to prevent these cells from getting the hormone needed to grow.

It is designed to either lower the estrogen level in your body or to eliminate the estrogen from triggering the cancer cells. This treatment is recommended for tumors that are positively estrogen or progesterone receptive.

Different Types:

There are different hormone blocking therapies available for women that are pre-menopausal and post-menopausal, since a woman's body produces different levels of estrogen in these different stages.

• Anti-estrogens: Prevents estrogen from attaching to the cancerous cells (ex: Tamoxifin)

          Side Effects: Vaginal dryness and hot flashes

• Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs): Blocks the production of estrogen, but only in women who are post-menopausal

          Side Effects: Vaginal dryness, hot flashes, joint pain, stiffness and bone loss

• Ovarian Suppression:  This prevents the ovaries from producing estrogen and is recommended for pre-menopausal women. It can include surgically removing the ovaries, an injection once per month or radiotherapy.

• Progestogens: Used when anti-estrogens and aromatase inhibitors are unable to control the secondary breast cancer cells

           Side Effects: Nausea and an increase in appetite, which can cause weight gain

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs kill the cancerous cells or cause their growth to be disrupted. Unfortunately, these drugs cannot differentiate the difference between cancer cells and normal cells, so healthy cells are killed too.

Most chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously, but there are some available in tablet form. Many women who undergo chemotherapy intravenously have a "port" surgically implanted. The "port" is located under the skin in the wall of the chest. This prevents the need to find a new vein each time.

Side Effects:

• Hair loss


• Nausea


• Fatigue

Radiotherapy

This uses X-rays and other electron therapies to kill the cancer cells. Radiotherapy helps to ease pain and discomfort, especially in the bones. It is administered internally and externally.

Radiotherapy continues to work even after the treatments are finished, so it may be an extended time before the benefits are felt.

Side Effects: 

• Fatigue


• Nausea and vomiting


• Burns on the skin at the site of treatment


• Skin color changes, usually becoming darker

Targeted Therapies

Targeted therapies are used to target certain proteins contained in or on cancer cells. Healthy cells are not affected. It is not suitable for all secondary breast cancer.

Different Types:

• Herceptin: Blocks the protein on the cell and is effective for women who have positive HER2 secondary breast cancer

          Side Effects: May cause heart problems

• Tykerb: Blocks the protein inside the cell and targets HER2 positive breast cancer

Bisphosphonates

Sometimes, breast cancer can spread to the bones and cause damage. Bisphonsphates are not used to treat the cancer, but reduce the damage caused to the bone.

Bisphonsphates can be given in tablet form or intravenously.

Usages:

• Bone pain treatment


• Helps prevent bone fractures


• Reduces the risk of needing radiotherapy for bone cancer


• Maintains the level of calcium in the blood

Side Effects:

• Increases the risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw

Surgery

This is a less common treatment of secondary breast cancer. But, women may need surgery to reduce fluid in their lungs, treat a bone fracture or remove a brain tumor.