Why does stage 1 breast cancer require 4 chemotherapy sessions

The main reason why stage 1 breast cancer requires four chemotherapy sessions is to reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis and improve long-term survival. Based on the molecular classification of the tumor, the patient's physical condition, and the postoperative pathology report, the doctor will comprehensively determine whether chemotherapy is needed and the specific chemotherapy plan. Standardized chemotherapy provides patients with long-term health protection, but the specific treatment plan varies from person to person.

1. Reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis

Although stage 1 breast cancer is in the early stage, there is still a possibility of recurrence or distant metastasis, especially when the patient's tumor biology is not ideal, such as triple-negative breast cancer or HER2-positive breast cancer. Chemotherapy uses systemic drugs to help kill cancer cells that may have spread to other parts of the body but have not yet formed visible lesions, thereby reducing the probability of recurrence. Usually 4 chemotherapy sessions are formulated based on the balance between efficacy and adverse reactions. Most studies have shown that such a course of treatment is more effective for stage 1 patients and the side effects are within a controllable range.

2. The importance of postoperative adjuvant therapy

Even in the early stages of breast cancer, tumor resection surgery may not completely eliminate all cancer cells. Especially for patients with the risk of lymph node involvement or for patients with high-risk tumor molecular classification, surgical treatment alone is not enough to provide adequate protection. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy uses a combination of multiple drugs, such as anthracyclines such as doxorubicin and taxanes such as docetaxel, to specifically kill residual cancer cells to consolidate the treatment effect.

3. Individualized treatment plan

The patient's physical condition, tumor classification such as hormone receptors, HER2 status, proliferation marker Ki-67, and postoperative organ function all affect chemotherapy intensity and course design. The 4-time chemotherapy regimen is usually suitable for medium-risk stage 1 patients. For example, some triple-negative breast cancer or HER2-positive breast cancer require the use of trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy. For patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, endocrine therapy may be required at the same time instead of chemotherapy alone.

4. Common side effects of chemotherapy and coping methods

Chemotherapy drugs may cause gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and vomiting, hair loss, bone marrow suppression such as leukopenia, decreased immunity, etc. In order to minimize these adverse reactions, doctors will use antiemetics, white blood cell-enhancing drugs such as G-CSF, dietary guidance and anti-infection programs, and dynamically monitor the patient's physical condition throughout the chemotherapy process. Good side effect management significantly improves patients' tolerance and compliance to chemotherapy.

Standardized four chemotherapy sessions can scientifically and systematically control the risk of recurrence and metastasis of stage 1 breast cancer, laying the foundation for the patient's long-term health. Patients are advised to strictly follow the doctor's instructions to complete the treatment, and improve their lifestyle in combination with the doctor's advice, such as balanced diet, regular exercise, psychological adjustment, etc., so that the body can quickly recover after chemotherapy. If patients have questions about the treatment plan, they should fully communicate with the oncologist, evaluate their own risks and benefits, and find the treatment method that best suits them.