Breast cancer is the most well-known cancer in women, with invasive breast cancer affecting about 1 in 8 women in the United States in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.

While breast cancer can be treated using different methods such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery, some cases of the disease are more aggressive and require a targeted approach. A new revolutionary treatment for aggressive breast cancer is now available, offering hope to women suffering from this condition.

Current Treatment Options for Breast Cancer

The treatment for breast cancer typically depends on factors like the stage of the cancer, hormone receptor status, HER2 expression, and the patient’s overall health.

According to Breastcancer.org, the most common treatment options for breast cancer include:.

Surgery
Radiation therapy
Hormone therapy
Targeted therapy
Chemotherapy

While these treatments are helpful, they aren’t always effective for aggressive breast cancer. Aggressive breast cancer is defined as a tumor that grows rapidly and is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

The New Revolutionary Treatment Option for Aggressive Breast Cancer

The new revolutionary treatment for aggressive breast cancer is known as Tucatinib, and it was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April 2020.

Tucatinib works by targeting the HER2 protein, which is found in about 20% of breast cancers. HER2-positive breast cancer is typically more aggressive and faster-growing than other forms of the disease.

Tucatinib is an oral medication that is taken in combination with another drug called trastuzumab and chemotherapy.

The combination treatment has been proven to be effective in clinical trials, with patients experiencing a significant reduction in the progression of the disease.

According to the FDA, Tucatinib can also cross the blood-brain barrier, which means it is effective in treating breast cancer that has spread to the brain, a condition known as brain metastases.

This is a significant advancement, as breast cancer that has spread to the brain is particularly challenging to treat.

How Tucatinib Works

Tucatinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a type of drug that blocks the action of a protein called tyrosine kinase, which plays a role in the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors work by binding to the HER2 receptor on the surface of cancer cells, preventing them from receiving signals that promote their growth. This slows down or stops the cancer cells from growing and dividing.

When Tucatinib is combined with trastuzumab, the drug works even better. Trastuzumab is a type of monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein, destroying cancer cells by unleashing the patient’s immune system to attack them.

The Benefits of Tucatinib

The primary benefit of Tucatinib is its effectiveness in treating aggressive breast cancer. The drug has been shown in clinical trials to significantly reduce the progression of the disease and improve survival rates in certain patients.

Another significant benefit of Tucatinib is its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Brain metastases are a significant challenge in the treatment of breast cancer, as the brain is a common site for breast cancer to spread.

Tucatinib provides an effective treatment option for patients with brain metastases and can help improve their quality of life.

Side Effects of Tucatinib

Like all medications, Tucatinib can cause side effects, some of which can be severe. The most common side effects of Tucatinib include:.

Diarrhea
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Decreased appetite
Swelling in the hands, feet, or face

Rare but severe side effects of Tucatinib include liver damage, pneumonitis, and heart problems. Patients taking Tucatinib should notify their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any new or worsening symptoms while taking the drug.

Conclusion

Tucatinib is a new revolutionary treatment option for aggressive breast cancer. The drug has been approved by the FDA and has been shown to be effective in clinical trials.

Tucatinib’s ability to cross the blood-brain barrier makes it particularly useful in treating breast cancer that has spread to the brain.

While Tucatinib offers hope for women with aggressive breast cancer, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider to determine if this treatment option is suitable for your specific condition.