Breast Cancer Treatments in Asia: Surgery, Targeted Drugs, and Immunotherapy

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer worldwide and the leading cancer among women in Asia. Advances in surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy have transformed survival outcomes. This article explores breast cancer treatments in Asia, including regional disparities, emerging therapies, and the future of personalized medicine.

Breast Cancer in Asia: The Current Landscape

• Global statistics: Over 2.3 million new breast cancer cases diagnosed annually.
• Asia’s numbers: China: Highest number of breast cancer cases globally. India: Second highest in Asia; often diagnosed at later stages. Japan, South Korea, and Singapore: High survival rates due to early detection.
• Risk factors in Asia: Later childbearing and reduced breastfeeding. Urban dietary changes and obesity. Lack of awareness and screening in rural regions.

Surgery: The Foundation of Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy)

• Removes tumor while preserving breast tissue.
• Often combined with radiotherapy.

Mastectomy

• Removal of entire breast; used in advanced or multiple tumors.
• Increasing use of reconstructive surgery in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

• Minimally invasive procedure to detect spread.
• Reduces need for full lymph node removal, lowering complications.

Regional Access:

• Japan and South Korea: High availability of advanced surgical techniques.
• India and Southeast Asia: Limited reconstructive options due to cost.

Chemotherapy

• Adjuvant chemotherapy: Used after surgery to prevent recurrence.
• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Shrinks tumors before surgery.
• Common regimens: Anthracyclines, taxanes, and cyclophosphamide.

Challenges in Asia:

• Cost and side effects lead to incomplete treatment in low-income regions.
• Growing use of generics improves accessibility.

Targeted Therapy

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

• Trastuzumab (Herceptin) revolutionized treatment.
• Pertuzumab and T-DM1 widely used in developed Asian countries.
• Biosimilars improving access in India and China.

Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

• Tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane).
• CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib, ribociclib) increasingly available in Asia.

Immunotherapy

• Checkpoint inhibitors (pembrolizumab, atezolizumab): Effective in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
• Trials expanding across China, Japan, and South Korea.
• Cost remains a major barrier in Southeast Asia and India.

Radiation Therapy

• Integral for breast-conserving surgery.
• Advanced options: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), proton therapy.
• Japan and Singapore: Centers of excellence in radiation oncology.

Regional Insights

• China: Rapid expansion of cancer hospitals; growing access to targeted drugs.
• India: High late-stage diagnosis; reliance on generic drugs.
• Japan & South Korea: Early detection and advanced therapies yield strong survival rates.
• Southeast Asia: Limited screening programs; need for awareness campaigns.
• Middle East: Rising incidence linked to lifestyle factors; expanding oncology centers.

Challenges in Asia

1. Late Diagnosis: Many women present at advanced stages.
2. Healthcare Inequality: Urban vs rural gap in screening and treatment.
3. Cost of Targeted Drugs: Remains unaffordable for many.
4. Cultural Barriers: Stigma around breast cancer in conservative societies.

Future of Breast Cancer Care in Asia

1. AI Diagnostics: Improving mammography and ultrasound accuracy.
2. Liquid Biopsies: Detecting recurrence earlier through blood tests.
3. Personalized Medicine: Genomic profiling guiding targeted therapy.
4. Biosimilars: Making targeted drugs more affordable.
5. Government Screening Programs: Essential for early detection in rural Asia.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a major health challenge in Asia, but advances in surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are improving survival.

The future lies in personalized medicine, affordable access to targeted therapies, and expanded screening programs, which can dramatically reduce mortality and improve quality of life for women across Asia.

Written by:MedCure Asia Editorial Team
The MedCure Asia Editorial Team specializes in delivering accurate, well-researched health insights across Asia. Our mission is to provide readers with trusted guidance on medical conditions, treatments, and wellness practices.