If you or someone you know is battling advanced breast cancer, it can be a great source of strength to stay informed about new information and discoveries. Scientists and doctors are always trying to understand this disease better and find new, more effective treatments . So let's take a look at what this new hope is.
Newly approved drugs
Several new drugs have already been introduced that have shown very successful results for advanced breast cancer. Some of these work by targeting specific proteins that control the growth of cancer cells.
Simply put, some types of breast cancer are influenced by hormones in the body to grow. We call these "hormone-receptor positive" cancers. Also, some cancer cells do not have a protein called `HER2` on their surface. These are called `HER2` negative cancers. If you have this type of cancer, new drugs may be a good option for you.
Let's take a look at some of these new medications in the table below.
| Drug Type | Drug Name | A simple explanation |
|---|---|---|
| CDK 4/6 Inhibitors | Palbociclib (Ibrance) Abemaciclib (Verzenio) Ribociclib (Kisqali) | These control the division and growth of cancer cells. They are usually given in combination with hormone therapy. This can slow the spread of cancer for months. |
| Immunotherapy | Sacituzumab govitecan (IMMU-132) | This drug targets a protein called `Trop-2` on the surface of cancer cells. It is especially recommended for people who have already received at least two other treatments. |
The most important thing is to talk openly with your doctor about whether these medications are right for you, how to get them, and what their side effects are.
New hopes that are still in the research stage
In addition to the currently approved drugs, there are a number of other promising drugs that are being researched. Although these are not yet in common use, they could be a great boon to us in the future.
PARP Inhibitors
These drugs work by blocking the ability of cancer cells to repair themselves (DNA repair). They have been found to be particularly useful for people with mutations in the genes BRCA1 or BRCA2, which are linked to breast cancer.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
These are also drugs that block enzymes that help cancer cells grow. Lapatinib (Tykerb) has already been approved for HER2-positive cancers. Another drug, Neratinib, has been shown in a new study to help patients live longer when given after chemotherapy.
More targeted HER2 therapies
About one in five people with breast cancer have too much of a protein called HER2, which helps the growth of breast cancer cells. Drugs that target this protein are being developed every day. For example, the drug Margetuximab has shown promising results in shrinking tumors, and the drug ONT-380 has shown promise in treating breast cancer with fewer side effects.
Other immunotherapy
These drugs work by stimulating our own immune system to fight cancer. The drug `Pembrolizumab` has shown promising results in clinical trials, especially as a treatment for the more aggressive `Triple-Negative` type of breast cancer.
New understanding of how cancer spreads
Along with these new drugs, scientists are also discovering new things about how cancer spreads throughout the body (metastasis). This understanding is very important for future treatments.
Imagine, we used to think that cancer spreads like a soldier from an army deserting and setting up camp in a new place. That is, a single cancer cell travels through the bloodstream and travels to another organ, like the liver or lungs.
But, the latest research has now found that these cancer cells do not travel alone, but in clusters , like a group of soldiers moving together.
This discovery is very important because, once we know exactly how cancer behaves, it will be easier for scientists to develop more targeted treatments that can stop those groups. That is, stopping a group from moving may be more effective than stopping a single cell.
How can you help on this journey?
With these new discoveries, you too may have opportunities to contribute to this fight in some way.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor . Ask, "Are there any new treatments or clinical trials in our country that might be suitable for me?" Clinical trials are closely monitored studies that test the effectiveness and safety of new drugs before they are given to the general public.
Your doctor will be able to explain the benefits, risks, and expectations of participating in such a trial. It is important to consult your doctor before making any decisions.
Also, look into support groups for cancer patients. They can provide you with emotional support and new information. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
Take-Home Message
- Newer and more effective drugs (CDK 4/6 inhibitors, immunotherapy) are now available for advanced breast cancer. These can control the spread of the cancer.
- Science is advancing day by day. The discovery that cancer spreads in groups, not as single cells, has opened up new avenues for future treatments.
- Always talk to your doctor about the latest treatments and clinical trials that are right for you. Don't believe everything you see on the internet, get accurate medical advice.
- This battle is hard, but you are not alone. Scientists and doctors around the world are always looking for new things to help patients like you. Keep hope.
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