Chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer treatment
The London Clinic has world-leading oncology consultants supported by highly trained multidisciplinary teams and some of the most modern treatment technology available.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
Breast cancer treatment
Treatment overview
Around fifteen per cent of women with breast cancer have disease that is described as triple-negative, meaning the cancers cells don’t have receptors for oestrogen, progesterone and HER2.
This is important because women with triple-negative breast cancer do not respond well to hormonal therapy or Herceptin medication.
To achieve the best results, women with this kind of cancer need a different therapeutic plan.
The specialists at The London Clinic will design a personalised programme of treatment.
This will involve a combination of surgery to remove the tumour, targeted radiotherapy and a tailored course of chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells and decrease the risk of the cancer spreading or recurring.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis
FAQs
Chemotherapy is the use of combinations of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. The medications interfere with the cells’ ability to divide and proliferate.
The aim is to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the chances of the cancer coming back.
The London Clinic offers the latest chemotherapy drugs, administered by an expert multi-disciplinary team.
There are clinical nurse specialists to guide you, advise about the possible side-effects and help control your symptoms.
Consultant Oncologists Prof Paul Ellis, Dr Hartmut Kristeleit and Dr Virginia Wolstenholme can discuss the best ways of treating triple-negative breast cancer and the side-effects of the treatment.
They will always take time to answer any questions or address any worries you may have.
The London Clinic administers chemotherapy by mouth or by intravenous infusion. The route will depend on the type of medication you have been prescribed.
If the drugs need to be injected directly into the blood, a drip may be put in.
A port or catheter may be inserted to make access to the veins easier; this stays in place throughout the course of your treatment, reducing the need for repeated injections.
Chemotherapy can be offered as in inpatient or as an outpatient. For patients coming in for the day, there are 22 specially-designed pods allowing each person to receive treatment in comfort and privacy.
We also offer portable battery- powered pumps, so that patients can go home while they’re waiting for their infusion to complete.
Chemotherapy drugs are powerful and can cause several side-effects. Although these can be unpleasant, they should be temporary and your specialist should help control your symptoms.
The London Clinic will give you a 24-hour contact number, so that you can get advice at any time during your treatment.
Your consultant will also give you advice about symptoms to look out for and when to get urgent assessment.
Chemotherapy stops cells dividing and growing. This can lead to reduced levels of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, which can cause potentially serious complications.
White cells fight infections, so having too few will reduce your immunity. You are particularly vulnerable to infections 1-2 weeks after chemotherapy.
You may feel feverish and unwell or notice a cough, sore throat or urinary symptoms. Having insufficient platelets affects the bloods ability to clot, leading to bruises, nose bleeds or bleeding from the gums.
Low red blood cells can impair the blood’s ability to transport oxygen to the cells, making you feel tired and short of breath, especially on exertion.
You may also experience
- Hair loss: The clinical nurse specialist can recommend strategies to decrease loss, including chemotherapy cool caps. They can also suggest places to find good wigs and hair pieces.
- Sickness, nausea and vomiting.
- Digestive problems including heartburn, constipation and diarrhoea.
- Numbness in the hands and feet.
- Problems with the mouth and teeth, including ulcers, thrush and gum disease.
- Rashes and nail changes.
- Rarely some drugs can cause heart or lung problems. Your specialist will discuss the risks, balancing them against the benefits of treating your cancer.