In 2022 Breast Cancer was the leading cause of death in women, with an estimated 670,000 deaths globally. A study report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) suggested a 40% increase by 2040 in breast cancer cases and death numbers to reach 1 million per year.

 

These numbers are alarming and warn us to take the necessary steps and measures to raise awareness about breast cancer. People often get confused after diagnosing with breast cancer about the treatment options. Today there are different treatment approaches are available for breast cancer each having a different purpose and use case.

 

Endocrine therapy for breast cancer is the latest treatment approach that has shown medical professionals exceptional results in recent years. However, most people do not know much about it due to a lack of awareness and knowledge. This blog will give you a comprehensive overview of endocrine therapy for breast cancer. We will discover its different types, success rates, side effects, etc. Additionally, we will understand who should consider it.

 

What is Endocrine Therapy For Breast Cancer?

Endocrine therapy also known as Hormonal therapy is the latest and advanced treatment method used for treating Hormone Receptor(HR)-Positive breast cancer.

 

HR-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer in which your cancer cells develop an extra receptor on them which is sensitive to the estrogen and progesterone hormones. An increase in the concentration of these hormones triggers the cancer cells to grow.

 

Endocrine therapy for breast cancer slows or blocks the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors present in your breast by inhibiting the ability of your body to produce these hormones or by altering the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to the hormones.

 

Different Types of Endocrine Therapy For Breast Cancer

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) are a class of drugs used in endocrine therapy. SERMs block the estrogen hormone in your body from binding with the breast cancer cells, preventing further growth. Additionally, they act as estrogen in your body and increase the estrogen levels in your bones to prevent osteoporosis.

 

Selective Estrogen Receptor Down Regulators (SERDs)

Selective Estrogen Receptor Down Regulators (SERDs) are a class of drugs used in endocrine therapy. The working mechanism of SERDs and SERMs is quite different. SERDs degrade the protein complex of ER-positive breast cancer cells. They create an unstable protein complex around the cells which causes their protein receptors to degrade.

 

Ovarian Function Suppression (OFS)

Ovaries Function Suppression is a modern treatment method used to treat breast cancer. It suppresses the production of estrogen in your body. Doctors use drugs like leuprolide (Lupron) and goserelin (Zoladex) to suppress the ovaries. Doctors recommend OFS generally in premenopausal women or women who want to preserve their fertility.

 

Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs)

Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are a type of hormonal therapy utilized for treating breast cancer.  It works by blocking the activity of an enzyme called aromatase, which is responsible for the conversion of androgen into estrogen in your body. Additionally, it prevents the estrogen from binding to the protein complex of cancer cells. Medical experts use this therapy in the case of postmenopausal women.

 

Side Effects of Endocrine Therapy 

Endocrine therapy disturbs the normal hormonal activity of your body which leads to various side effects that influence the behavioral and physical aspects of your body. Knowing these side effects will give enough time to you and your family to adapt and make the necessary lifestyle changes according to the condition.

 

Side effects of endocrine therapy for breast cancer:

• Musculoskeletal: A low concentration of estrogen in your body can lead to low bone density which can cause joint and muscle pain in your body.
• Reproductive: Estrogen has a direct impact on your reproductive health. Dryness, irregular discharge, or irritation can happen in your vagina. You can also face problems like decreased sexual desire and an abnormal period cycle.
• Behavioral: Hormones have a huge impact on our behavioral traits depression, cognitive dysfunction, and mood swings can happen in your body. Family or your loved ones’ support can help you to deal with it.
• Gastrointestinal: Estrogen affects the functioning of our gastrointestinal tract and can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, etc. You can also experience loss of appetite and diarrhea because estrogen affects the motility of food inside your GI tract.
• Other: You can also suffer breathing-related problems like shortness of breath and painful breathing. Fatigue, weakness, headache, etc., are also some other common side effects.

 

Cost of Endocrine Therapy For Breast Cancer

The cost is something that matters most in breast cancer treatment. You will be happy to hear that the cost of endocrine therapy is quite affordable than other treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.

 

Endocrine therapy costs can vary from country to country. If we talk about India which is one of the leaders in breast cancer treatment. The cost of hormonal therapy is between $60 to $240 per session. However, the exact cost can be different on the basis of various factors like the type of therapy and the duration of treatment.

 

Best Hospitals for Endocrine Therapy For Breast Cancer in India 

• Fortis Hospital, Bangalore
• MGM Healthcare, Chennai
• Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Delhi
• BLK Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi
• Max Super Specialty Hospital, Delhi
• Medanta the Medicity, Gurgaon
• Care Institute of Medical Sciences, Ahmedabad
• Gleneagles Global Hospital, Hyderabad
• Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

 

How GoMedii Technologies Can Help You?

GoMedii Technologies is an integrated health-tech platform involved in the facilitation of medical tourism and patient care. We help patients access treatment with top-ranked hospitals and surgeons in India at affordable rates for endocrine therapy for breast cancer.

 

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a huge concern for our society which affects millions of women every year around the globe. However, knowing different treatment options can help us fight back against this difficult situation. Endocrine therapy for breast cancer is one of the latest and advanced medical approaches that can treat the Hormone Receptor(HR)-Positive breast cancer. It has shown an impressive success rate in recent years. Additionally, at a very affordable cost in comparison to other treatment options like surgery or chemotherapy. Endocrine therapy offers hope to millions of women who are fighting this threatening condition.

 

Choose GoMedii as your treatment partner to get the best treatment at an affordable cost, and through a hustle-free process. You can simply Drop a query to experience revolutionized treatment services via Whatsapp (+91 9311101477) or email us at connect@gomedii.com our team will contact you as soon as possible. To make things easier for you, just download our app from your Google Play or app store!

 

About GoMedii: GoMedii is a Healthcare Technology Platform That Works Out Your Treatment / Surgery the Way You Need & Plan. A Treatment partner that simplifies the patient journey at every step. Drop Your Queries for the most affordable & world-class treatment options.You may simply download the GoMedii app for Android or iOS.