What therapy is often used before surgery to shrink a tumor in breast cancer patients?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is often used prior to surgery in breast cancer patients to shrink tumors. This approach allows for a reduction in tumor size, which can make it easier to remove the tumor surgically and may improve the chances of a successful outcome. By administering chemotherapy before surgery, healthcare providers can evaluate how well the cancer responds to the treatment, which can provide valuable information for future therapeutic decisions.

Additionally, neoadjuvant chemotherapy has the potential to decrease the amount of tissue that needs to be removed, possibly leading to breast-conserving surgery instead of a full mastectomy. It also serves as an opportunity to act on aggressive cases of cancer without delaying surgical intervention since it can initiate treatment while surgery is being planned.

This method stands out as a pivotal strategy in managing breast cancer, particularly for cases that are initially diagnosed as large or locally advanced, making it an essential part of the treatment pathway for many patients.