Systemic Therapies
Systemic Therapies for Breast Cancer
Modern breast cancer treatment often involves more than surgery alone. Many patients may benefit from additional therapies designed to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, treat cancer cells throughout the body, and improve long-term outcomes.Modern breast cancer treatment often involves more than surgery alone. Many patients may benefit from additional therapies designed to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, treat cancer cells throughout the body, and improve long-term outcomes.
Systemic therapies are treatments that travel throughout the body to target cancer cells wherever they may be. These therapies are carefully tailored to the biology of the cancer, pathology results, imaging findings, and each patient’s individual treatment needs.
A/Prof Farid Meybodi works closely with experienced medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, breast physicians, and multidisciplinary breast cancer teams across Sydney to ensure patients receive coordinated, evidence-based care throughout every stage of treatment.
Personalised Breast Cancer Treatment
Not all breast cancers are the same. Treatment recommendations are based on several factors, including:
- Tumour size and stage
- Hormone receptor status
- HER2 status
- Lymph node involvement
- Genetic and molecular features
- Overall health and treatment goals
Some patients may require one form of systemic therapy, while others may benefit from a combination approach involving chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medications to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells throughout the body. It may be recommended:
- Before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy)
- After surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy)
- For more advanced or metastatic breast cancer
In some patients, chemotherapy before surgery may help shrink the tumour and increase the opportunity for breast-conserving surgery. It may also help guide further treatment decisions following surgery.
Treatment is highly individualised and carefully coordinated with the broader multidisciplinary team.
Hormonal (Endocrine) Therapy
Hormonal therapy is used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, where cancer cells are stimulated by hormones such as oestrogen or progesterone.
These treatments work by blocking hormonal stimulation or reducing hormone production within the body. Hormonal therapy is commonly recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence and may continue for several years depending on the cancer type and individual risk profile.
Treatment recommendations vary depending on menopausal status, tumour biology, and previous treatments.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies are designed to specifically target certain proteins or molecular pathways involved in cancer growth. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, these treatments aim to more precisely target cancer cells while limiting effects on healthy tissue.
Some targeted therapies are used for HER2-positive breast cancers and are commonly combined with chemotherapy as part of treatment planning.
Advances in molecular profiling and precision medicine continue to expand the role of targeted therapies in breast cancer care.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively. It is currently used in selected breast cancer subtypes, particularly some cases of triple-negative breast cancer.
These treatments may be used alongside chemotherapy in carefully selected patients depending on tumour characteristics and treatment goals.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses targeted high-energy treatment to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence following surgery. It is commonly recommended after breast-conserving surgery and may also be used following mastectomy in selected patients.
Modern radiation therapy techniques are carefully planned to maximise treatment effectiveness while minimising exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
A/Prof Farid Meybodi works closely with experienced radiation oncologists to coordinate personalised treatment planning and ongoing care.
Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Care
Systemic therapies are carefully integrated into each patient’s overall treatment plan through a multidisciplinary approach involving:
- Breast surgery
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Breast imaging and pathology
- Physiotherapy and lymphoedema support
- Breast care nursing and allied health services
This collaborative approach helps ensure patients receive coordinated, personalised, and evidence-based care throughout diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and survivorship.
Supporting Patients Throughout Treatment
A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment journey can feel physically and emotionally overwhelming. Associate Professor Farid Meybodi and his multidisciplinary colleagues are committed to supporting patients with clear communication, compassionate care, and personalised treatment planning throughout every stage of care.
Our goal is to ensure patients feel informed, supported, and confidently guided through treatment, recovery, and long-term follow-up.
