This is in contrast to adjuvant chemotherapy, which is administered after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Examples of neoadjuvant therapy include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
Up to half of the patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment may become suitable candidates for breast conservation rather than mastectomy.
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Most neoadjuvant chemotherapies are anthracycline- or taxane-based therapies.
Chemotherapy and radiation may cause side effects like nausea, headache, vomiting, or fatigue.
Fasting for a few days beforehand has been shown to limit these side effects.
The punch in of therapy that you use depends on the punch in of breast cancer you have.
Doctors often use neoadjuvant chemotherapy as a way to see if your cancer will respond to a particular medication.
Location
NAT is usually administered in outpatient oncological centers or at the hospital.
You will likely receive all your treatment at the same location.
What to Wear
You should dress comfortably for your NAT sessions.
Loose clothing and comfortable shoes are suggested.
For those with health insurance, the average cost is about $5,000.
Although NAT may cost thousands of dollars, most insurance companies cover these treatments.
Also, ask whether a support person can keep you company during the treatment.
Fatigue and drowsiness are additional side effects that you may have to contend with.
Some clinics even offer transportation to and from appointments.
Use your best judgment, especially if you are not feeling well.
During Therapy
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is performed in cycles.
The number of cycles varies from patient to patient.
Sometimes you are administered medication beforehand that can make you tired.
You will be administered a round of chemotherapy treatments followed by a resting cycle.
Chemotherapy can be given via an intravenous (IV) tube or orally.
Most chemotherapy symptoms usually last two to four weeks before resolving on their own.
More bothersome symptoms like nausea and vomiting can be treated with prescription or over-the-counter medications.
But some might take months or even years to go away completely, a phenomenon called late effects.
In rare cases, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can causelong-term damageto the heart, lungs, kidneys, or reproductive organs.
But this is usually not the case because NAT is typically administered for a short period of time.
The goal is to shrink the tumor and reduce or prevent its spread.
However, it is not appropriate for all people with breast cancer.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may result in being able to have a lumpectomy or other breast-conservation therapy rather than a mastectomy.
It may also reduce other complications.
As it is chemotherapy, it comes with a range of side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer?
Up to half of the patients undergoing neoadjuvant treatment may become suitable for breast conservation rather than mastectomy.
Still, studies have shown little or no evidence of increased life expectancy with neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus adjuvant chemotherapy.
Which neoadjuvant therapy is right for me?
If you are newly diagnosed with breast cancer, discuss the pros and cons of NAT with your doctor.
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