Breast cancer is the most widespread malignant tumor in women. In recent years, the disease has been increasingly detected in curable stages thanks to the introduction of mammography. To have an excellent chance of winning the fight against cancer, you can undergo breast cancer treatment in Germany. German clinics use advanced breast cancer therapies: not only more effective but also allowing you to get rid of the cancer faster, with fewer health risks, less discomfort, and higher quality of life after treatment.
Standard approach to breast cancer treatment
If we briefly describe the principles of breast cancer treatment abroad, they are as follows:
- At stages I-II, surgeries are performed to partially remove the breast and nearby lymph nodes
- Most women will require radiation and chemotherapy after surgery
- In 70% of cases, hormone therapy is used (if hormone receptors are present in the tumor cells)
- Stage III may require complete rather than partial breast removal
- Some women require radiation therapy after mastectomy
- All women need chemotherapy after surgery
- In stage IV, radical (curing) surgery is not done, instead focusing on long-term control of the cancer with medications
These principles are used around the world, but the best breast cancer clinics provide benefits to patients through the implementation of innovations.
Innovative breast cancer treatments
Germany and other developed countries are using innovative treatment approaches and procedures to not only improve the effectiveness of breast cancer therapy but also reduce the risk of complications.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy. This intraoperative radionuclide technique for detecting sentinel lymph nodes allows doctors to identify nodes that may have cancer metastases. They are removed and examined – just 2-3 nodes instead of several dozen. Other lymph nodes may not be removed if there are no signs of metastasis. This approach prevents lymphedema, a common complication of standard lymphatic dissection.
Innovative irradiation methods. Even conventional gamma therapy on machines from the 80's is quite effective. The only problem is that it causes many complications. Modern methods of radiotherapy, used in the world's leading clinics, are more precise and safer. The amount of radiation is planned in three dimensions. Radiation is directed to the tumor from different directions to reduce the dose to normal tissues. Intensity modulation is possible to protect critical organs, and regular visual control is available to help plan the radiation procedure properly. The use of new techniques reduces the risk of complications to the heart, lungs, and other organs.
Accelerated partial breast irradiation. A new approach to radiation used to treat early-stage breast cancer in German breast oncology hospitals. It is no longer necessary to attend daily radiation sessions for a month and a half. A five-day course of treatment is enough and you can return to your usual life. Partial irradiation under the accelerated program can be carried out with the new high-precision methods of remote irradiation or brachytherapy; in some cancer hospitals, intraoperative irradiation (during breast surgery, before the wound is closed) is used to treat breast cancer.
Genetic tests. They are used to assess the risk of cancer recurrence, which is especially important in stage I-II disease. If the risk of recurrence is low, doctors may not prescribe chemotherapy, avoiding discomfort, side effects, weeks in the hospital, and unnecessary financial burdens. Genetic testing analyzes up to 70 genes and provides accurate results in predicting recurrence.
Cancer immunotherapy. Medical breakthroughs are associated with this area of oncology. The essence of the method is that one's own immune system is forced in one way or another to strengthen the antitumor response to stop tumor growth, shrink tumors, and sometimes completely destroy them. Immune response checkpoint inhibitors are already used not only in the advanced stage of cancer but also in stages 2-3 to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery. Leading German clinics also use vaccines based on dendritic cells.
If you are planning to receive breast cancer care in Germany, you can use the Booking Health service. Here you can find leading German clinics and prices for medical services. You can make an appointment for treatment on convenient dates and receive travel organization services. The cost of treatment will be cheaper for you if you make an appointment through our service as there are no additional fees for foreign patients.
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