Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sezer stated that smart drugs offer important innovations in cancer treatment and said, “These drugs are aimed at specific molecular targets that support the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.”
Medikal Park Seyhan Hospital Medical Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sezer made statements about breast cancer. Prof. Dr. Sezer emphasized that detecting breast cancer, the most common type of cancer among women, in the early stages increases treatment success rates.
“Annual mammography should be performed from the age of 40”
Prof. Dr. Sezer said, “Breast cancer can be asymptomatic, especially in the early stages. Therefore, regular screening tests and self-examination play a vital role in women's lives. From the age of 40, annual mammography is very important to minimize possible risks.”
Stating that there are various approaches in the treatment of breast cancer, Prof. Dr. Sezer said, “Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted treatment methods are applied according to the individual characteristics of the patients. In addition, genetic tests play an important role in assessing the risk of breast cancer. Personalized treatment options are offered for women who carry certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and thanks to these tests, patients are directed to more effective and targeted treatment plans.
“The treatment process should be carefully planned”
Sezer said that each patient's situation is different, “Therefore, the treatment process should be planned very carefully. Especially in the last 10 years, advances in immunotherapies and targeted treatment methods have revolutionized the fight against cancer. Since 2015, new targeted therapy agents such as trastuzumab, pertuzumab and neratinib used in HER2 positive metastatic breast cancer have significantly improved the treatment response of patients and prolonged their life expectancy. These treatment options inhibit tumor growth by binding to the HER2 protein of cancer cells.”
“Chemotherapy can be applied”
Stating that combination therapies and new immunotherapies developed after 2020 have made treatment processes more effective, Prof. Dr. Sezer said, “Combination therapies involve the use of two or more treatment methods together. For example, combining chemotherapy with targeted therapies has a greater effect on the tumor and reduces the likelihood of developing resistance to treatment. Immunotherapies have been developed to help the immune system respond more effectively to cancer cells. Drugs such as pembrolizumab and atezolizumab target tumor cells by activating the immune system and strengthen the patient's natural defense mechanism.”
“Smart drugs prolong the duration of treatment and improve quality of life”
Stating that smart drugs offer important innovations in cancer treatment, Sezer said, “These drugs are directed at specific molecular targets that support the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. For example, CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib, ribociclib and abemaciclib) are frequently used in hormone receptor positive breast cancer. By targeting proteins that regulate the cancer cell cycle, these drugs stop tumor growth, prolong treatment duration and improve quality of life. The personalized selection of these smart drugs through genetic profiling significantly improves treatment outcomes. The personalized medicine approach allows the determination of treatment options suitable for the genetic structure of patients and thus increases the effectiveness of treatment.”
“Balanced nutrition reduces risk”
Drawing attention to the effects of nutrition and lifestyle on breast cancer, Prof. Dr. Sezer said, “A balanced diet, regular physical activity and avoiding harmful habits are important factors in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Obesity can increase the risk of breast cancer by affecting hormone levels. Recent studies show that healthy lifestyles positively affect the response to treatment.”
“Early diagnosis is important”
Stating that it is critical to raise breast cancer awareness in the society, Prof. Dr. Sezer said, “Having information about early diagnosis and treatment is of vital importance for all women. The support of family members and friends is very useful to increase the morale and motivation of patients in this process. Therefore, it is of great importance for every individual to increase their knowledge on this subject.”
“The aim is to raise social awareness”
As a result, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sezer pointed out that there have been promising developments in the fight against breast cancer with early diagnosis and effective treatment methods and concluded his words by saying, “Our goal is to ensure that more women live a healthy life and to raise awareness in the society on this issue.”
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