(WBBM NEWSRADIO) - During this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, local researchers are looking at ways to adjust treatment to lessen side effects.
In two studies, Advocate Health Care researchers are turning to immunotherapy that’s common in treating other forms of cancer.
Medical director of oncology research Dr. Sigrun Hallmeyer says one trial looks to keep the same 60 percent success rate in killing all breast cancer cells before surgery by using immunotherapy and less chemotherapy, the traditional treatment.
“That laid the foundation for us to ask the research question: Do we need to be so aggressive for everybody or can we get to the same number of complete pathologic response with a less aggressive regimen?” Hallmeyer says
That randomized trial is using fewer chemo drugs and for a shorter period of time.
Another trial is exploring less radiation for patients with early stage breast cancer after lumpectomies.
Dr. Hallmeyer says some patients are excited by the idea of feeling less sick during the shortened treatment; however, she says there are often just as many patients who would rather avoid any risks and opt for the tested standard of care.
“The clinical trials that we are entertaining currently are looking to minimize exposure to toxic therapies that may not be necessary without jeopardizing a long, good outcome,” Hallmeyer says.
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