BREAST CANCER TREATMENT IN AUSTRALIA

New Breast Cancer Treatment Options in Australia

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Australian women with 1 in 7 women diagnosed with this disease by the age of 85. 

As research advances, new breast cancer treatment options are becoming available, offering hope for better outcomes. 

This article explores: 

• latest research advances, 
• clinical trials, 
• breast cancer treatment types, 
• the critical role of donations in supporting ongoing research.

Latest Advances in Breast Cancer Treatment

Recent developments in breast cancer treatment focus on precision medicine, allowing therapies to be tailored to the individual’s cancer profile. Innovations include targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and advancements in surgical techniques, significantly improving survival rates and quality of life.

Previous Breast Cancer Trials Research

Since its formation in 1978, Breast Cancer Trials has significantly contributed to improved treatments available to patients today through our clinical trials research program. Key achievements include:

• The HERA clinical trial was a breakthrough for women with HER2-positive breast cancer. It proved the benefits of trastuzumab (Herceptin), in significantly reducing the risk of breast cancer recurring.
• The SOFT and TEXT clinical trials produced practice changing results in the treatment of breast cancer in young women. It showed that an aromatase inhibitor, exemestane, combined with ovarian function suppression, is more effective than tamoxifen in preventing breast cancer recurrence in young women.
• The BIG 1-98 clinical trial proved a new treatment to be effective in women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. It demonstrated that letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor and new drug class at the time, reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence and improves overall survival compared to tamoxifen. 
• The POEMS clinical trial offered a new treatment option for young women with breast cancer, to preserve their fertility during cancer treatment. It found that goserelin helped to preserve fertility in young women undergoing cancer treatment, with lower menopause rates and higher pregnancy rates post-treatment.  

Find outor more information about the research achievements of Breast Cancer Trials.

Availability of Cutting-Edge Treatments in Australia

Australia is at the forefront of implementing cutting-edge treatments for breast cancer. With access to advanced therapies and comprehensive clinical trials, patients can benefit from the latest research findings. Healthcare providers work diligently to ensure these innovative treatments are accessible to all patients in need.

Latest Breast Cancer Trials Research

• The CHARIOT clinical trial has shown promising results in patients with treatment resistant, early-stage triple negative breast cancer. It demonstrated that the addition of dual immunotherapy treatments, nivolumab and ipilimumab, resulted in 24% of participants achieving a complete disappearance of their cancer within the breast and lymph nodes at the time of surgery. Longer follow up is needed to determine the effectiveness of this treatment.  
• The Neo-N clinical trial suggests that the addition of immunotherapy could compensate for giving less chemotherapy in early triple negative breast cancer. It found that over half of the participants involved in the study had no evidence of cancer in their breast and lymph nodes at surgery following this treatment. This could potentially offer a new treatment option with fewer side effects, but its effectiveness will need to be confirmed in a larger clinical trial. 
• The PROSPECT clinical trial demonstrated that using breast MRI before surgery can identify early breast cancer patients who can safely avoid radiotherapy, reducing side effects and healthcare cost of breast cancer treatment in Australias. The study found that patients with no additional disease on MRI had a very low chance of recurring in the breasts after five years without radiotherapy. This approach not only improved patients’ quality of life by reducing fear of recurrence but also provided a net monetary benefit of $2,900 per patient.
• ‘Less is more’ approach: Researchers are investigating if a ‘less is more’ approach to breast cancer treatment will give patients equally good or better outcomes.

The Role of Clinical Trials in Treatment

Clinical trials are crucial for discovering new breast cancer treatments and improving existing therapies. They provide patients access to cutting-edge options and contribute to medical advancements that benefit future generations.

Donate to Clinical Trials for Improved Breast Cancer Treatments

Your contributions to clinical trials can help transform breast cancer treatment. Together, we can drive research that leads to new therapies and ultimately saves lives. Donate today.

Types of Breast Cancer Treatments

Breast Cancer Surgery: Treatment for breast cancer often involves surgery to remove part or all of the breast.

• Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, sometimes including the skin and nipple. Double mastectomy refers to the removal of both breasts.
• Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue, preserving more of the breast.
• Side Effects: Pain, swelling, and changes in breast shape.
• Recovery Time: Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, but full recovery may take longer.
• Reconstruction: Options are available immediately after surgery or later to restore breast appearance.

Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.

• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery to shrink tumours and improve surgical outcomes.
• Side Effects: Nausea, fatigue, and hair loss.
• Preventative: Neoadjuvant therapy may also reduce the risk of recurrence.

Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer: Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.

• Side Effects: Skin irritation, fatigue, and localized swelling.

Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer: Targeted therapy acts on specific targets of cancer cells, such as genes or proteins.

• Side Effects: Vary by drug, but can include skin rashes and gastrointestinal issues.

Hormone Treatment for Breast Cancer: This treatment blocks hormones that fuel cancer growth, and is effective for many women with hormone receptor positive breast cancers.

• Eligibility and Effectiveness: Hormone therapy is effective for many women with hormone receptor-positive cancers.
• Common Hormone Therapy Drugs Used in Australia: Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors.
• Side Effects and Their Management: Hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue, which can be managed through lifestyle adjustments and medications.

Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer: Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer and has been shown to be effective in the early and advanced stages of breast cancer.

• Side Effects: Flu-like symptoms and immune-related issues affecting other organs.

Accessing Breast Cancer Treatment in Australia

While Australia offers advanced breast cancer treatment options, barriers remain. Geographic location, financial constraints, and healthcare access disparities can hinder timely treatment. Advocacy for equitable access is essential for all patients to receive the care they need.

Breast Cancer Treatment Guidelines in Australia

Cancer Australia provides Clinical Practice Guidelines on the treatment and management of breast cancer. The Cancer Australia website contains guidance for the management and care of early breast cancer. Cancer Council Australia also provide high quality, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.

• Overview of National Guidelines for Breast Cancer Treatment: Australia has established comprehensive guidelines to standardise breast cancer treatment, ensuring patients receive evidence-based care.
• Development and Updates of Guidelines: Guidelines are regularly reviewed and updated based on emerging research, ensuring they reflect the latest evidence and best practices.
• Variations in Treatment Approaches Across States: While national guidelines exist, variations in local practices can affect treatment. It’s essential for patients to consult with their specialists on recommended treatments.

Support Services for Breast Cancer Patients

• Overview of Available Support Services: Numerous support services are available for breast cancer patients, including counselling, support groups, and financial assistance programs.
• Support for Families and Caregivers: Recognizing the emotional toll of breast cancer, support services also extend to families and caregivers, providing resources and respite options.
• Links to Support Services and Information: The following organisations provide the above support services:

• Cancer Australia
• Breast Cancer Network Australia
• Cancer Council
• Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre

Donate to Breast Cancer Trials

Help us to continue our research and ensure no more lives are cut short by breast cancer. Donate today.