Is Chemotherapy Still Necessary After Breast Cancer Surgery?

Chemotherapy is a commonly used and effective treatment for breast cancer. It uses medications that destroy or inhibit the growth of rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often combined with other treatment methods, such as surgery, radiotherapy, or targeted therapy.

However, do all breast cancer patients still need chemotherapy after surgery? Is this treatment necessary to destroy any cancer cells that may remain and reduce the risk of recurrence? To answer these questions, it is important to understand the factors that determine whether chemotherapy is needed after breast cancer surgery.

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Is Chemotherapy Still Necessary After Breast Cancer Surgery?

Chemotherapy given after breast cancer surgery is known as adjuvant chemotherapy. This treatment is administered following a surgical procedure, such as a mastectomy, to help destroy cancer cells that may remain in the body even after the tumor has been removed. As a result, adjuvant chemotherapy can help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

However, not all breast cancer patients require chemotherapy after surgery. Doctors consider the characteristics of the cancer and the risk of recurrence before determining whether this treatment is necessary.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is generally considered for patients with the following conditions:

Large tumor size: Chemotherapy may be considered for patients with large tumors to help reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery.
High recurrence risk based on genomic testing: Certain genomic tests can help doctors estimate the likelihood of cancer returning and determine whether a patient is likely to benefit from chemotherapy.
Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes: The spread of cancer cells to the lymph nodes may be one of the factors doctors consider when recommending chemotherapy after surgery.
High-grade cancer: Cancer cells that look more abnormal than normal cells tend to have more aggressive growth characteristics, making chemotherapy a potential treatment option.
Triple-negative breast cancer: This type of cancer lacks estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and overexpression of the HER2 protein. Chemotherapy is one of the main treatment options and may be recommended depending on the patient’s condition.

The decision to undergo chemotherapy after surgery must be tailored to each patient’s circumstances. Doctors consider the cancer stage, biological characteristics, diagnostic test results, and the potential benefits and side effects of treatment before determining the most appropriate approach.

Other Breast Cancer Treatment Options

In addition to surgery and chemotherapy, breast cancer treatment may involve several other methods, depending on the patient’s condition, cancer type, and disease stage. The following are some treatment options doctors may recommend:

Radiotherapy: This treatment uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink a tumor or after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that may remain.
Hormone therapy: This treatment uses medication to block the effects of hormones that can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells with hormone receptors, such as estrogen or progesterone receptors.
Targeted therapy: This treatment targets specific characteristics or vulnerabilities in cancer cells. In HER2-positive breast cancer, targeted therapy can inhibit the activity of the HER2 protein, which plays a role in cancer growth.
Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy is most commonly used to treat triple-negative breast cancer in patients who meet the appropriate clinical criteria.

Treatment selection is tailored to each patient’s needs. Doctors consider the type and stage of cancer, previous treatment history, and the possibility of breast cancer recurrence after therapy. Recurrent breast cancer may require a different evaluation and treatment plan from the initial treatment.

Mandaya Breast Cancer Center: Comprehensive Care From Detection to Treatment

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers integrated breast cancer services, ranging from initial examinations and diagnosis to various treatment options and breast reconstruction. Available services include:

Breast cancer detection and diagnosis: Examinations are supported by 2D and 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, and Digital PET/CT scans to help detect and evaluate breast cancer.
Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB): A procedure that uses vacuum-assisted technology to collect breast tissue samples through a small incision. In certain cases, this method can also be used to remove small benign tumors with minimal wounds.
Breast cancer surgery: Surgical options include mastectomy to remove the entire breast and endoscopic lumpectomy to remove tumors through minimal incisions while preserving as much healthy breast tissue as possible.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB): A procedure to examine sentinel lymph nodes and assess the possibility of cancer spread. The results help doctors determine whether lymph node removal is necessary and may reduce the risk of lymphedema in eligible patients.
Breast cancer treatment: Patients have access to various treatment options, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. Treatment is selected according to the cancer type, stage, and individual patient’s condition.
Breast reconstruction: Surgical services to restore the shape of the breast after cancer surgery, helping improve breast appearance, quality of life, and self-confidence.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): A technology that uses high-intensity sound waves to target and destroy certain benign tumor tissue without requiring surgical incisions.
Lymphedema Center: A specialized center for managing lymphedema, including swelling that may develop after breast cancer treatment. Care includes conservative therapies and microsurgical procedures tailored to the patient’s condition.

Facilities for Patients Traveling From Other Cities and Countries at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri

Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides various support facilities to offer additional comfort and convenience for patients traveling from other cities or abroad.

VIP transportation: Pick-up services from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, train stations, or seaports to the hospital in comfortable vehicles, accompanied by a Patient Experience Officer (PEO).
Medical ambulance transportation: Specialized pick-up services for patients with specific medical needs from arrival points, including airports, train stations, and seaports. These services are equipped with medical equipment and supported by professional healthcare personnel.
Accommodation (Sleep Hub and apartments): Comfortable accommodation for families accompanying patients, located on the eighth floor of the Mandaya Royal Puri building, with nearby apartment options also available.
International Patient Relations: Dedicated assistance for international patients with medical coordination, interpretation, and administrative arrangements. For information and assistance, contact 021 5092 8888 or email [email protected].

To make your visit to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri easier, use Chat via WhatsApp, Book an Appointment, or the Care Dokter app, which is available for download on Google Play and the App Store. These options can help you arrange visits, check queue numbers, and access other information.

The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and as a general overview. It may not reflect the full range of medical services that each doctor can provide. To determine the most appropriate care for your medical condition, we recommend consulting the relevant doctor directly.

For questions, suggestions, or further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.