4 Ways Breast Cancer Treatment Has Recently Improved

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women. Chances are, you or someone you love has either completed breast cancer treatment or is going through it now. Fortunately, breast cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent years, leading to more personalized and effective care for patients.

1. Advanced Genomic Testing for Recurrent or Metastatic Breast Cancer

Today’s breast cancer treatment plans are personalized for each patient, taking into account tumor characteristics, genetic mutations, previous treatments, and how the cancer responds over time. Genomic testing evaluates genetic mutations that have developed in a patient’s lifetime and identifies targeted therapies or immunotherapies that can counteract them. Some of the tests commonly used today for patients with stage IV breast cancer or recurrent breast cancer include:

• Gene expression tests (Oncotype DX, MammaPrint): These tests examine the activity of multiple genes within the tumor to estimate the risk of cancer recurrence. For people with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, the results can help determine whether adding chemotherapy to hormone therapy is likely to provide meaningful benefit.

• PIK3CA mutation testing: Some hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers have changes in the PIK3CA gene that help cancer cells grow. If this mutation is present, patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer may receive targeted therapies to block this growth pathway.

• ESR1 mutation testing: ESR1 mutations can develop over time in estrogen receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer, especially after hormone therapy. These mutations may make certain hormone treatments less effective. Finding an ESR1 mutation can help doctors select newer hormone therapies that are designed to overcome this resistance.

• PD-L1 testing: PD-L1 is a protein that can help cancer cells avoid detection by the immune system. In advanced triple-negative breast cancer, a positive PD-L1 test may make a patient respond well to immunotherapy drugs that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

• Ki-67 testing: Ki-67 measures how quickly cancer cells are growing and dividing. A higher Ki-67 score generally indicates a faster-growing cancer and may influence treatment recommendations, including whether chemotherapy or certain targeted therapies are appropriate.

These test results allow oncologists to customize therapies based on the unique biology of each patient’s tumor, as well as hormone receptor status and HER2 protein expression. Learn more about breast cancer treatments available through Affiliated Oncologists in the South Chicago suburbs.

2. Lymph Node Preservation

Breast cancer surgery, including lymph node testing and removal, has also become less invasive.

Historically, surgeons removed up to 40 lymph nodes near the breast in the armpit area to test them for cancer when removing the tumor. This can result in many side effects, including lymphedema (swelling of the arm), because there aren’t enough lymph nodes left to drain the lymph fluid from the arm. Lymphedema can also result in chronic pain, numbness, or swelling in the arm that can be permanent.

Sentinel lymph node mapping is now the standard process used to test lymph nodes while reducing the side effects for women with early-stage breast cancer. By injecting a dye into the tumor, the surgeon can identify the first (sentinel) lymph nodes to be affected. These few lymph nodes are then tested for cancerous cells.

If they are clear, no further lymph node removal may be needed. If they have cancer, the surgeon can follow where the dye is moving to determine which ones are targeted for testing. In some cases, an axillary biopsy is required to remove more lymph nodes. But fewer patients experience the more severe side effects when using the sentinel lymph node mapping process.

3. Shorter and More Targeted Radiation Therapy Options

Radiation therapy for breast cancer has become more precise and convenient.

Traditionally, external beam radiation therapy for breast cancer required five sessions a week for 6 to 7 weeks. Now, many women with early-stage breast cancer may qualify for hypofractionated radiation therapy, which delivers higher doses in a shorter time (typically 3 to 4 weeks).

Partial breast irradiation is another advancement. It specifically targets the area where the tumor was removed instead of the entire breast, resulting in fewer side effects.

High-dose-rate (HDR) breast brachytherapy also continues to be used in certain cases of early-stage breast cancer. This is performed by surgically placing a catheter into the breast near the tumor site containing the radioactive material. The catheter is left in place for up to five days, releasing very targeted radiation therapy in the area where the cancer used to be.

These advancements and the precision of radiation therapy may reduce side effects for certain patients, making cancer treatment more manageable. Learn more about radiation therapy for breast cancer treatment.

4. Cold Capping to Reduce Hair Loss

Breast cancer patients often experience hair loss from the chemotherapy drugs commonly used in a treatment plan. It’s one of the more well-known side effects of breast cancer treatment, and also one of the most feared. Research found that keeping your head cold during and immediately after chemotherapy can constrict blood vessels, limiting how much chemo reaches the hair follicles.

The process is called cold capping, or scalp cooling. According to a study published in the Support Cancer Care journal, 50% to 70% of patients retain most of their hair when cold capping, and many avoid needing a wig entirely.

There are a few different methods for cold capping. The FDA has approved a machine that automatically cycles a cooled liquid or gel inside a cap worn during chemotherapy. You can also manually cold cap by using a frozen gel cap. Frozen gel or dry ice is placed inside the cap. Because your head is warm, the cap will need to be changed every 30 minutes or so to keep the scalp consistently cool. Manual scalp cooling is not covered by insurance.

Many patients are pleased with the results. While they lose some hair, it tends to grow back quicker than starting from no hair.

Talk to your supportive care team about what is available at your cancer center. Insurance may cover the cost of cold capping, but this depends on your plan. Our financial counselors can tell you the cost, if any, for the automated machine.

Always Looking for Newer and Better Breast Cancer Treatments

The Affiliated Oncologists team of cancer experts is dedicated to understanding and using the latest breast cancer treatments and supportive care techniques for our patients. If you were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and would like to know more about your treatment options, request an appointment with one of our oncologists in a South Chicago suburb that’s convenient for you. Second opinions are also available. We’re here to help you throughout your cancer journey.

Originally published October 2021. Updated July 2026.

Categories: Breast Cancer