How to Explore Biological Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Biological therapy for breast cancer patients is still in an experimental and evolving stage, but it has proven to be effective in some cases and may cause fewer side effects than other treatments. Biological therapy uses the body's own immune system to eradicate malignant tumors in the breasts. However, it only works with women who already carry a certain antibody.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Know that only about 25 percent of women carry the necessary HER-2 gene that allows biological treatment with Herceptin to be possible. Herceptin is an antibody that can boost the body's immune response.
Step 2

Explore cutting-edge applications of biological treatment for breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute offers news on evolving cancer research (see Resources below).
Step 3

Know that Herceptin is often combined with chemotherapy, which according to the American Cancer Society, has the possibility to lower the chances the cancer will return.
Step 4

Guard against bone density loss. Your doctor may prescribe bisphosphonates to help keep your bones from deteriorating, but you can also engage in bone-strengthening exercise such as mild yoga or Pilates. Bones respond to exercise by gaining in strength and density in the same way muscles do.
Step 5

Take careful note of any side effects that occur while undergoing biological therapy. Some women experience heart trouble while on this drug, but the symptoms usually subside once the drug is discontinued.

Tips & Warnings

Ask your doctor if you are a candidate (a carrier of HER-2) for biological therapy for breast cancer treatment.
Join your hospital's breast cancer support group. The American Cancer Society can also connect you to a group (see Resources below).
The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offers an online informational document on the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to employees suffering from cancer (see Resources below).
Cancer, whether in the breast or in other parts of the body, can cause a person to feel like giving up. Know that most cancer is treatable, according to the American Cancer Society. Generate positive thoughts by keeping a journal and making plans for the future.

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