Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Every year, the cases are rising, and in India alone, breast cancer accounts for nearly 14% of all cancers among women.
While advances in early detection and treatment have significantly improved survival rates, many women still face challenges, especially those with aggressive or treatment-resistant types of breast cancer.
For many years, breast cancer treatment has relied on conventional methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. But these traditional treatments may not be effective for every patient and often come with side effects. This has led to the rise of a revolutionary approach that empowers the body’s own immune system to fight cancer- immunotherapy.
In this blog, we’ll understand how immunotherapy is changing the landscape of breast cancer treatment.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer begins when abnormal cells in the breast start to grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. It can occur in both women and men. These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body in advanced stages.
Types of breast cancer, based on their molecular characteristics:
- Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: fueled by estrogen or progesterone.
- HER2-positive breast cancer: driven by the overproduction of the HER2 protein.
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it more aggressive and harder to treat.
The majority of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, and they can respond well to hormone or targeted therapies, but TNBC might resist traditional treatments. That’s where immunotherapy is used.
What is Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer?
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment in which the body’s own immune system identifies, attacks, and destroys cancer cells. It is used to treat early-stage and metastatic breast cancer. Normally, the immune system can detect and eliminate abnormal cells, but cancer cells develop ways to hide from or suppress immune responses. Immunotherapy works by “unmasking” these cancer cells and reactivating the body’s natural defenses.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two immunotherapy drugs for breast cancer treatment: pembrolizumab and dostarlimab.
The drugs are injected into the veins through an intravenous (IV) line. Each patient’s treatment plan is unique; however, immunotherapy is usually given every three to six weeks and may continue for months or even up to two years.
What are the Advantages of Immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is an effective option for cancer treatment and is considered one of the most promising breakthroughs for breast cancer patients:
- Precision: Chemotherapy affects all rapidly dividing cells, but immunotherapy precisely targets cells without harming surrounding tissues. It reduces side effects and improves the quality of life during treatment.
- Long-lasting Protection: Once the immune system learns to recognize cancer cells, it can continue to protect the body long after treatment ends, which reduces the risk of recurrence.
- Effective for Aggressive Cancers: For aggressive types like triple-negative breast cancer, where other treatments may fail, immunotherapy offers new hope.
- Combined with Other Treatments: It can be combined with chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies to enhance effectiveness and results in better outcomes.
Challenges
While immunotherapy offers new hope, it also has various challenges:
- Limited effectiveness – Not all patients respond; it mainly works in aggressive types like TNBC.
- Patient selection – Identifying who benefits is challenging.
- Side effects – Can cause immune-related reactions such as fatigue, rash, diarrhea, or thyroid issues.
- High cost – Expensive treatment limits accessibility.
- Combination needed – Often works better with chemotherapy or targeted treatments.
Cost of Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer in India
The average cost of immunotherapy for breast cancer in India ranges between ₹1 lakh to ₹7 lakh per session. The cost depends on the stage of cancer, the number of cycles, the healthcare facility, and the surgeon’s experience. While immunotherapy offers promising outcomes, its high cost remains a significant barrier for many patients.
Also Read:- Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India
Final Words
Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge for women around the world, but with immunotherapy, a sense of hope has been renewed, especially for those battling aggressive forms like triple-negative breast cancer. For many women, immunotherapy is more than a treatment; it’s a promising step toward a future with improved survival and quality of life.
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