Comparative Study of Traditional Chemotherapy and Targeted Drug Therapies in Breast Cancer

• Author(s): Dr Uzair Vohra ; Dr Darpan Agrawal ; Dr Shrey Chaudhari ; Dr Huma Khan
• Paper ID: 1706809
• Page: 875-879
• Published Date: 30-12-2024
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 6 December-2024

Abstract

Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, requiring diverse and effective treatment approaches. This report compares traditional chemotherapy with targeted drug therapies, focusing on their mechanisms, efficacy, side effects, and patient outcomes. Traditional chemotherapy, long a mainstay in breast cancer treatment, utilizes cytotoxic agents to kill rapidly dividing cells. While effective in reducing tumor size and improving survival, chemotherapy is non-selective, leading to widespread side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and immunosuppression, which significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. Targeted drug therapies, by contrast, represent a more precise approach by attacking specific molecular targets involved in cancer progression. These therapies, including monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer and hormone therapies for hormone receptor-positive cancers, have significantly improved survival rates while presenting a more manageable side effect profile. For example, patients with HER2-positive breast cancer treated with trastuzumab often achieve five-year survival rates as high as 90%, compared to lower survival rates with traditional chemotherapy. The specificity of targeted therapies minimizes collateral damage to healthy cells, though some risks, like cardiac toxicity or gastrointestinal issues, remain. Additionally, emerging therapies, such as CDK4/6 inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, and immunotherapies, are offering new treatment possibilities, especially for patients with resistant or aggressive forms of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer. These therapies focus on specific molecular pathways, offering tailored treatments for complex cases and improving patient outcomes. Their integration into treatment protocols has provided additional hope for those who may not respond to traditional approaches. This comparative analysis underscores the importance of personalized medicine in breast cancer care. While traditional chemotherapy remains essential, especially in advanced or aggressive cancers, the advent of targeted therapies has shifted the treatment paradigm, offering both improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The findings highlight the need for continued research into novel therapies and combinations that can further enhance survival and quality of life for breast cancer patients. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that combining traditional and targeted therapies, guided by individual patient profiles, is key to optimizing treatment outcomes in breast cancer.

Keywords

Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Efficacy, Safety Profile, Patient Outcomes, Personalized Medicine

Citations

IRE Journals:
Dr Uzair Vohra , Dr Darpan Agrawal , Dr Shrey Chaudhari , Dr Huma Khan "Comparative Study of Traditional Chemotherapy and Targeted Drug Therapies in Breast Cancer" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 6 2024 Page 875-879

IEEE:
Dr Uzair Vohra , Dr Darpan Agrawal , Dr Shrey Chaudhari , Dr Huma Khan "Comparative Study of Traditional Chemotherapy and Targeted Drug Therapies in Breast Cancer" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(6)