Final answer:
Late-stage breast CA is treated using a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. Temporary brachytherapy with iridium-192 wires is a specific technique for breast CA, and ongoing research focuses on targeted pharmaceutical treatments. Effectiveness depends on cancer stage and timely application of treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treating Late Stage Breast Cancer. Treating late-stage breast cancer (CA) involves a multifaceted approach, often incorporating several forms of treatment. Standard treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy. One of the specialized treatments for breast CA after surgery is temporary brachytherapy using iridium-192 wires. This technique helps to kill any residual or recurring cancer cells. The iridium-192 wires are inserted through a catheter in the space where the tumor was removed, and they are removed after delivering the required radiation dose, usually twice a day for five days. In addition to traditional treatments, researchers are continually developing pharmaceuticals that can specifically target proteins associated with cancer, potentially reducing damage to healthy tissues.
For cancers that cannot be entirely removed by surgery or that have spread, other systemic treatments like chemotherapy can be used. An example is cisplatin, which was used to treat Lance Armstrong's metastasized testicular cancer. The challenges with chemotherapy and radiation include the inability to focus exclusively on cancer cells, leading to destruction of healthy tissue. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of treatments depends on numerous factors, including the cancer stage and the timely application of therapies.