indications for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer

Release time ：Dec-28,2024

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is often employed to shrink tumors, facilitating surgical procedures and gauging the response to therapy. This approach may be appropriate for various breast cancer types, particularly for patients with larger tumors, lymph node involvement, or elevated risk factors.

The criteria for neoadjuvant chemotherapy encompass, but are not limited to: 1) Breast cancer at clinical stages II or III, where tumors are typically sizable and may have metastasized to adjacent lymph nodes; 2) Triple-negative breast cancer, a less common but often more aggressive form of the disease, for which neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a primary treatment option due to the absence of effective targeted therapies; 3) HER2-positive breast cancer, in which neoadjuvant chemotherapy is often paired with anti-HER2 targeted therapy to enhance treatment outcomes.

Prior to initiating neoadjuvant chemotherapy, patients undergo a thorough evaluation that includes pathological assessments, imaging studies, and molecular marker testing to identify the most appropriate treatment strategy. Throughout the treatment, patients must vigilantly monitor their health status and undergo regular follow-ups to evaluate the efficacy of the therapy. Additionally, patients are advised to adhere to their physician's recommendations, organize their treatment plans sensibly, and refrain from altering or discontinuing treatment without professional guidance.