Treatment options by subtype
Your treatment depends on your cancer’s subtype:
Hormone Receptor Positive (HR+):
- Hormone therapy (endocrine therapy) - blocks hormones that fuel cancer growth
- CDK4/6 inhibitors - used with hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy - if hormone therapy stops working
- Targeted therapies based on genomic testing
HER2 Positive (HER2+):
- HER2-targeted therapies (like trastuzumab, pertuzumab)
- Chemotherapy combined with HER2 treatments
- Newer antibody-drug conjugates
Triple Negative (TNBC):
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy (for some patients)
- PARP inhibitors (if you have BRCA mutations)
- Clinical trials of new treatments
Your oncologist will explain which treatments are recommended for your specific situation.
Clinical trials and how to access them
Clinical trials test new treatments that aren’t yet widely available. They may give you access to cutting-edge therapies.
What to know:
- Trials are carefully monitored for safety
- You can leave a trial at any time
- All your costs are covered
- Not everyone is eligible for every trial
Finding trials:
- Ask your oncologist if there are trials suitable for you
- Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry
- Breast Cancer Trials
Understanding treatment contracts
You and your oncologist will discuss treatment goals:
- Controlling the cancer - Keeping it stable or shrinking it
- Extending life - Living as long as possible with good quality
- Managing symptoms - Reducing pain and other problems
- Quality of life - Maintaining your wellbeing and independence
These goals may change over time. You can always discuss changing your treatment approach.
Scan frequency and what results mean
You’ll usually have scans every 2-3 months to check how treatment is working.
What scans show:
- Complete response - No visible cancer on scans (rare, but possible)
- Partial response - Cancer has shrunk significantly
- Stable disease - Cancer hasn’t grown or shrunk much (this is good!)
- Progressive disease - Cancer is growing
Side effects and when to report symptoms
Common side effects vary by treatment but may include fatigue, nausea, changes in appetite, neuropathy, hair thinning, and changes in mood.
When to call your oncology team immediately:
- Fever over 38°C
- Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea
- Severe pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of infection
Don’t wait - they’d rather hear from you than have you suffer.
Pain management
Pain can usually be well managed with the right approach.
Pain management options:
- Medication (from paracetamol to stronger opioids)
- Radiation therapy (for bone pain)
- Nerve blocks or other procedures
- Complementary therapies (massage, acupuncture)
Medically induced menopause
Some treatments stop your ovaries working, causing menopause symptoms: hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, sleep problems.
What can help:
- Non-hormonal medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Vaginal moisturizers
- Talking to others going through the same thing
Fertility planning and preservation
If you haven’t gone through menopause yet and want to preserve the option of having children, talk to your oncologist before starting treatment.
Options may include egg or embryo freezing, or ovarian tissue preservation. Time is often limited, but there may be options even if you need to start treatment quickly.
Complementary therapies with an evidence base
Some complementary therapies can help with side effects and wellbeing:
Evidence-supported options:
- Exercise - Helps with fatigue, mood, and overall health
- Mindfulness and meditation - Reduces anxiety and stress
- Acupuncture - May help with nausea and pain
- Massage - Can improve wellbeing and reduce anxiety
- Yoga - Helps with flexibility, strength, and mental health
Managing anxiety and depression
It’s completely normal to experience anxiety and depression during treatment.
Signs to watch for:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Constant worry
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in appetite
What can help:
- Counseling or therapy
- Medication (safe to use with cancer treatment)
- Support groups
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Connecting with peer support
Talking to others who understand can make a huge difference.
Finding peer support:
- Hospital-based support groups
- Online communities
- One-on-one peer matching programs
Talking to your care team about emotions
Your oncology team wants to know how you’re coping emotionally.
Tips:
- Be honest about how you’re feeling
- Ask for a referral to a psychologist or counselor
- Let them know if you’re struggling with anxiety or depression