Breast Cancer Treatment: What a New Medical Review Found

The New England Journal of Medicine has published a review article summarising recent advances in the systemic treatment of breast cancer — meaning treatments that work throughout the body, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and newer biological agents, rather than surgery or radiotherapy alone.

According to the review, several targeted agents have recently received approval or had their approved uses expanded. Antibody–drug conjugates — a type of therapy that attaches a cancer-killing drug directly to an antibody so it can find and attack cancer cells more precisely — have shown improved outcomes. Immunotherapy, which helps the body’s own immune system recognise and fight cancer, is also featured as an area of progress.

The review also points to growing reliance on molecular profiling. This is the process of analysing the genetic and biological makeup of a tumour to help doctors choose the most effective treatment for each patient.

For their part, the journal did not publish outcome data or trial results specific to any single drug in the tweet. The full review article contains the detailed findings.

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If you or someone you know has concerns about breast cancer symptoms or treatment options, speak to your GP in the first instance. You can also contact NHS 111 for non-emergency health advice. In an emergency, call 999.

Breast Cancer Now offers a free helpline on 0808 800 6000, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm. Macmillan Cancer Support can be reached on 0808 808 00 00, available seven days a week, 8am to 8pm.

Key information

• NHS 111 — call 111 for non-emergency health queries
• Breast Cancer Now helpline — 0808 800 6000 (Mon–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat 9am–1pm)
• Macmillan Cancer Support — 0808 808 00 00 (7 days, 8am–8pm)