Neoadjuvant treatment means giving chemotherapy, targeted or hormonal therapy before surgery. In some subtypes this approach can allow a smaller operation.
Why before surgery?
- To shrink the tumour and raise the chance of breast-conserving surgery
- To watch the response to treatment
- To guide planning of treatment after surgery
How does the process work?
After the diagnostic biopsy a marker is placed in the tumour area. Response is assessed with imaging during treatment. Surgery is then planned; the pathology result determines additional treatment.
Who decides?
The decision is made together at a multidisciplinary board of the breast surgeon, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, radiologist and pathologist.
Even if the tumour disappears completely on imaging, surgery and pathological evaluation are still necessary.
Doç. Dr. Ebru Şen
General surgeon whose area of interest is breast surgery. Sees patients at Istinye University Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital and Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital.
