Breast Cancer Immunotherapy
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Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer
Immunotherapy is a promising treatment for breast cancer, including advanced and recurrent forms of the disease. Your breast cancer team at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) uses a variety of immune-based strategies to eliminate breast cancer tumors and prevent recurrence.
Immunotherapy (also called biological therapy, biotherapy or biological response modifier therapy) for breast cancer uses your body's natural ability (immune system) to fight the disease and/or lessen treatment-related side effects.
One common type of breast cancer immunotherapy drug is Herceptin. This drug binds with specific proteins on breast cancer cells to slow or stop their growth. Your CTCA care team may recommend Herceptin to target breast tumors that produce too much of (or overexpress) a protein called HER2, which can also signal more aggressive cancers.
Immunotherapy may be used alone or in conjunction with other breast cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Addressing Side Effects of Breast Cancer Immunotherapy
Breast cancer mmunotherapy for breast cancer may cause side effects, such as fever, chills, pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and rashes. These side effects generally become less severe after the first treatment.
Throughout your breast cancer treatment, your CTCA care team will provide supportive breast cancer therapies, including nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, pain management, oncology rehabilitation, mind-body medicine and spiritual support. These therapies can help reduce side effects and improve your overall quality of life during breast cancer immunotherapy.
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