Advancements in Breast Cancer Treatment Following Surgery- A

1. Advancements in Breast Cancer Treatment Following Surgery: A Contemporary Perspective Breast cancer treatment encompasses a multidisciplinary approach aimed at eradicating residual disease, reducing recurrence risk, and improving survival outcomes post-surgery. Adjuvant therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapies, play pivotal roles in achieving these objectives. This article provides a concise overview of contemporary strategies in breast cancer treatment following surgery. Chemotherapy: Adjuvant chemotherapy has been instrumental in reducing the risk of disease recurrence and improving survival in breast cancer patients. Tailored chemotherapy regimens based on tumour subtype, histological grade, and molecular characteristics have optimized treatment efficacy while minimizing toxicity. The advent of targeted therapies, such as HER2-directed agents like trastuzumab, has further personalized treatment approaches, particularly in HER2-positive breast cancer. Radiation Therapy: Postoperative radiation therapy significantly reduces local recurrence rates following breast- conserving surgery or mastectomy. Technological advancements, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and proton therapy, have enhanced treatment precision and minimized radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) offers a condensed treatment course for select patients, improving convenience and quality of life. Hormonal Therapy: Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers constitute a substantial proportion of cases, making adjuvant hormonal therapy a cornerstone of treatment. Endocrine agents such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors (e.g., letrozole, anastrozole) effectively suppress estrogen signalling, reducing the risk of recurrence and mortality. Extended adjuvant therapy and the advent of novel agents, such as CDK4/6 inhibitors, have expanded therapeutic options and prolonged disease control in hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. Targeted Therapies: The molecular heterogeneity of breast cancer has paved the way for targeted therapeutic interventions. HER2-targeted agents, including trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), have revolutionized the management of HER2-positive disease, significantly improving survival outcomes. Additionally, emerging targeted therapies, such as PARP inhibitors in BRCA-mutated breast cancer, hold promise in further enhancing treatment efficacy and overcoming resistance mechanisms. Advancements in breast cancer treatment post-surgery have revolutionized patient care, offering personalized therapeutic strategies tailored to tumour biology and patient-specific factors. The integration of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapies in adjuvant settings has substantially improved survival outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer patients. Ongoing research endeavours and innovative clinical trials continue to propel the field forward, aiming to optimize treatment efficacy and mitigate long-term adverse effects. A multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration among surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation

2. oncologists, and allied health professionals remains paramount in delivering comprehensive and patient-cantered care in the management of breast cancer.