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Key Takeaways

How breast cancer is treated

Early breast cancer, when the tumour is small, is treated with breast-conserving surgery, usually followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy and — depending on hormone-receptor status — hormonal therapy. Treatment is always a combination of methods, chosen according to stage, tumour morphology and prognosis.

Breast cancer treatment oncology consultation

Breast cancer surgery (surgical treatment)

After assessing the disease stage, tumour morphology and multicentricity, either breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy (breast removal) is performed. Breast-conserving surgery is not done if there is more than one tumour focus in the breast or extensive intraductal spread. Minimally invasive techniques help reduce recovery time and the risk of complications.

Breast cancer radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is mandatory after breast-conserving surgery. It may be postponed until the end of adjuvant chemotherapy if there is a high risk of systemic dissemination. Based on prognostic factors and affected nodes, the radiation field and dose are selected.

Breast cancer chemotherapy

Breast cancer chemotherapy can be:

Hormonal therapy

Tumours sensitive to adjuvant hormone therapy are those in which at least 10% of cells carry steroid-hormone receptors. If the tumour tissue lacks estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, hormones will not be effective for disease control. Receptor status is therefore determined before treatment to decide whether hormonal therapy is appropriate.

Immune support during treatment

Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable. Concentrated mushroom-polysaccharide formulas, backed by clinical research, are studied for their role in supporting the immune system during oncological disease.

Related supplement

Chemotherapy suppresses immunity. Concentrated mushroom polysaccharides are studied for activating NK cells and macrophages alongside treatment.

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What are the main breast cancer treatments?

Treatment depends on stage and type. The most common are surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapy. The plan is always individualised, usually combining several methods.

Can you support the immune system during breast cancer treatment?

Yes, and it is very important. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable. Research shows concentrated mushroom-polysaccharide extracts may help activate NK cells and macrophages. A concentrated multi-extract formula such as Lentinan AXT by Zenius Labs™ is preferable.

What is the difference between neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumour and enable breast-conserving surgery; adjuvant chemotherapy is given after surgery to prevent and control systemic disease, based on prognostic factors.

When is hormonal therapy used for breast cancer?

Hormonal therapy works on tumours where at least 10% of cells carry steroid-hormone receptors. If the tumour lacks estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, hormones will not control the disease, so receptor status is tested first.

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Zenius Labs™

Lentinan AXT - concentrated immune-support formula

Lentinan AXT by Zenius Labs™ combines Lentinus edodes and Coriolus versicolor polysaccharides with astaxanthin in a concentrated, precision formula - designed to support the immune system during breast cancer treatment.

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