Chemotherapy is a drug treatment to stop or destroy the growth of tumor cells.

Chemotherapy treatment involves the administration of a single drug or several drugs (a combination). The application of chemotherapy treatment protocols can reduce recurrence and mortality rates by up to 30 percent.

What is it for?

Surgery and radiotherapy provide local treatment of breast cancer, while chemotherapy and hormone therapy aim for systemic treatment.

Chemotherapy is a supportive (adjuvant) approach to surgical treatment in many patients, but in some cases (e.g. with widespread disease – the most common sites of spread of breast cancer are bone, liver, lung and brain) it takes on a primary treatment role. Chemotherapy for breast cancer is still one of the most researched topics in the world. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical treatment of breast cancer (mastectomy-removal of the breast or removal of the mass-lumpectomy) reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence and increases survival.

When to Start?

Chemotherapy is often started in the 2nd-3rd week after the operation. starts in a week. Problems with wound healing may delay chemotherapy, which is not preferred.

How long does it take?

Depending on the preferred chemotherapy scheme, it can be 4, 6 or 8 cycles. Usually 3 weeks are allowed between the two treatment periods. Because chemotherapy can suppress the bone marrow and negatively affect the body’s defense system, some blood tests are performed before each treatment.

Are There Side Effects?

The benefits of chemotherapy for breast cancer outweigh the risks or side effects of this treatment. Side effects may vary depending on the drugs administered, their doses and chemotherapy schemes. Almost all side effects are temporary.