The changing face of breast cancer care – revolutions in treatment and patient support

Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Icon Cancer Centre UK Chief Clinical Strategy Officer Dr Penny Kechagioglou explains: “This has improved the therapeutic window of radiation treatment; Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and partial breast radiotherapy techniques have resulted in a more individualised approach to breast radiotherapy rather than one size fitting all”.

Personalised care

A personalised approach is made possible by advancements in genetic testing and molecular profiling. Today, oncologists can identify specific genetic mutations and biomarkers that drive cancer growth, allowing for tailored treatment plans targeting these unique characteristics.

Immunotherapy, a treatment that harnesses the power of the body’s own immune system to fight cancer, is making significant strides in breast cancer care. While traditionally more effective in other cancer types, clinical trials are yielding promising results for certain breast cancer subtypes, particularly triple-negative breast cancer (source).

Another area of notable progress is in surgical techniques where cutting-edge technology is enhancing the precision and effectiveness of breast cancer surgeries. Earlier this year, Nuffield Health Leicester Hospital in England adopted the Sentimag® system, an advanced technology allowing for more precise tumour localisation and removal. This system, which includes the Magseed® marker and Magtrace® lymphatic tracer, enables surgeons to pinpoint small, non-palpable cancers and assess potential spread to lymph nodes with greater accuracy. The technology not only improves surgical outcomes but also enhances the patient experience by reducing unnecessary procedures and potentially shortening hospital stays.

Holistic cancer care

The evolution of breast cancer care extends beyond medical treatments to encompass a more holistic approach to patient wellbeing. Dr Kechagioglou is an expert in integrative medicine for cancer care and offers further insight.

“Integrative Oncology is an evolving evidence-informed field of medicine, which combines the best of traditional cancer medicine with lifestyle medicine and complementary therapies,” Dr Kechagioglou explains.

“It can support better quality of life, improve patient resilience, minimise side effects of treatment and optimise clinical outcomes for people impacted by breast cancer.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally with growing incidence and breast cancer patients are the most frequent users of integrative oncology practices. It is therefore important that we embrace a more holistic model of care in routine practice.”

An integrated approach recognises the importance of addressing not just the physical aspects of cancer but also the emotional and psychological needs of patients. Support groups, counselling services, and programmes focusing on nutrition, exercise, and stress management have become integral parts of comprehensive cancer care.

Investment in research

Looking to the future, the field of breast cancer care continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Dr Kechagioglou says that more investigator led research will help answer challenging questions around breast cancer management.

“The growing use of real-world data and Artificial Intelligence can support the analysis of large and complex datasets in breast cancer which can lead to algorithms for evidence-based clinical decision-making,” Dr Kechagioglou says.

“Research is an important part of delivering comprehensive care and needs to be inclusive of all patients regardless of age and ethnic background, to avoid bias in research outcomes and ensure equitable clinical practices.”

Moving forward, the focus remains on developing more effective, less toxic treatments and improving early detection and screening. Ongoing research into areas such as CAR T-cell therapy, which has shown remarkable success in blood cancers, is being explored for solid tumours like breast cancer. The same applies to research into cancer vaccines, as the first RNA vaccines have become available for lung cancer patients in the context of clinical trials.

The future of breast cancer treatment

The evolution of breast cancer care in the past decade has been nothing short of revolutionary. From precision medicine and cutting-edge non-invasive radiotherapy to advanced surgical techniques and holistic patient support, the field has made significant strides in improving outcomes and quality of life for breast cancer patients.

The pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing. With continued research, technological advancements, and a commitment to patient-centred care, the outlook for breast cancer treatment is more promising than ever. While challenges remain, the collaborative efforts of researchers, clinicians, and patients are driving progress towards a future where breast cancer treatment is increasingly effective, less invasive and associated with significantly improved quality of life and survivorship rates.

This feature was prepared by Nuffield Health and Icon Group who, through a strategic partnership in the United Kingdom are delivering more care where it’s needed, starting with a collaboration at Nuffield Health Cancer Centre London in Wimbledon, and exploring further growth opportunities across the network. Together, we’re raising awareness of cancer through initiatives like Breast Cancer Awareness Month, driving early detection, prevention, and comprehensive support for cancer patients.