Q. What is adjuvant therapy for breast cancer?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

Adjuvant therapy for breast cancer is a type of treatment used to help reduce the risk of a cancer coming back after surgery. It is typically given after surgery and/or radiation when cancer has not spread beyond the original tumor site. The purpose of adjuvant therapy is to kill any residual tumor cells that may not have been visible on imaging tests or removed during surgery.

Adjuvant therapies for breast cancer can include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies such as HER2 inhibitors. Chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells in order to destroy any remaining tumor cells. Hormone therapy works by blocking hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that stimulate some types of breast cancers to grow while targeting therapies use medications or antibodies/monoclonal antibodies to target specific proteins on the surface of tumor cells in order to stop their growth and development or even destroy them completely.

Each individual’s adjuvant treatment plan depends on various factors such as type, stage, size, grade, hormone receptor status of the tumor; age; menopausal status; patient’s overall health condition etc. Therefore it’s important for each patient with breast cancer undergoing surgical removal of her primary tumor should consult with an experienced oncologist in order to determine what kind(s) of adjuvant therapies are best suited for his/her particular situation.

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Looking for expert medical advice and care can be a daunting task, especially when you need it urgently. But with Second Medic, you can connect with the best doctors in just a few minutes and have a private care conversation with them, all for free!

Our platform is designed to make it easy for you to get the medical advice and care you need without any hassle. Whether you have a minor health concern or a serious medical condition, our team of experienced doctors are here to help.

At Second Medic, we understand the importance of timely and reliable medical advice. That's why we've made it our mission to provide you with the best possible care, at the convenience of your own home.

Our platform is easy to use, and you can connect with a doctor in just a few simple steps. All you need to do is create an account, tell us about your health concern, and we'll match you with a doctor who has the expertise to help you.

You can then have a private care conversation with your doctor, where you can discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any other concerns you may have. Our doctors will then provide you with expert advice and guidance on the next steps to take.

So, whether you're looking for medical advice, a second opinion, or a prescription refill, Second Medic has got you covered. With our platform, you can get the care you need, when you need it, all for free!