Breast Cancer| New Treatment Drug Approved

Breast cancer treatments and the approved drugs have come a long way. Researchers have worked diligently throughout the years to improve the survival rate of breast cancer patients with better treatments and more effective drugs. According to recent online article Afinitor (chemical name: everolimus) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in combination with Aromasin (chemical name: exemestane) to treat advanced-stage, hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer in postmenopausal women that has already been treated with Femara (chemical name: letrozole) or Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole).

Breast Cancer Has A New Treatment for Advanced Stages

Locally advanced breast cancer is considered cancer that has spread beyond the breast into the chest wall either beneath the breast or the skin at the top of the breast. Metastatic breast cancer or advanced stage cancer is cancer that has spread to other parts of the body away from the breast including the bones or liver. Aromasin, Femara, and Arimidex are all aromatase inhibitors, which are known as a form of hormonal therapy. These drugs work to halt the production of estrogen in women who are postmenopausal. The way they work is they block the enzyme aromatase, which causes androgen hormones to turn into small amounts of estrogen in the body. This translates into less estrogen in the body to accelerate the growth of hormone- receptor- positive breast cancer cells. Afinitor was recently approved by the FDA because it shows promise for breast cancer patients with advanced staged breast cancer.

Breast Cancer early detection Still Critical

Dr. Seify is committed to breast cancer research and treatment. As an ASPS board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction it is important within the cosmetic plastic surgery portion of his practice that he informs breast surgery patients of the importance of early detection and breast cancer screening. Dr. Seify advises patients to follow their primary care physicians’ recommendations for breast cancer screening. Patients who have had breast reduction, breast augmentation, or breast lift are encouraged to continue to be proactive concerning breast health. Patient should participate in screening mammograms when recommended, and perform monthly breast self- exams. Early detection remains the best form of defense against breast cancer.