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Up to 80% of Tumors are Successfully Reduced in Size
Over 50% of Tumors Disappear Completely

　　Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women in Taiwan. In recent years, there are more and more younger women who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Alongside medical advancements, methods of treatment have also become more diversified. It has become possible to customize personalized chemotherapy treatments according to the patient's different diagnoses, needs and characterization of their tumors. CMUH's Breast Cancer Director, Dr. Liang-Chih Liu expresses: “Breasts are often associated as the ultimate female symbol; thus, patients who will have to undergo mastectomy are bound to experience a great impact both physically and mentally. As such, the patient could consider Neoadjuvant Therapy before any surgical procedure.” According to clinical statistics, 80% of patients who accept Neoadjuvant Therapy have their tumors successfully reduced in size and over 50% of tumors disappear completely. This method not only greatly increases the ratio of patients who can keep their breasts intact but more importantly, it can lower the risks of relapse. Also, this method can record a patient's drug responses for the basis of future follow-up treatments. The perfect collaboration between our hospital's Breast Cancer Team and Chinese Medicine doctors can help resolve our patient's fears of treatment and achieve a better quality of life.

Neoadjuvant Therapy and Dual- Targeted Therapy can Effectively Reduce Tumor Sizes
　　Neoadjuvant Therapy treatments are determined and designed by specialists. This method will utilize chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and or target therapy as treatment. Our case study, Ms. Huang, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September of 2016. Her tumor was approximately 4.8 cm large,The report of pathology showed the breast cancer subtype is HR negative and Her2 positive. After being examined by CMUH's Breast Cancer Director, Dr. Liang-Chih Liu, he suggested her to first accept Neoadjuvant Therapy before undergoing surgery. A treatment of both chemotherapy and double targeted therapy was designed specifically for her. Ms. Huang underwent 4 rounds of chemotherapy from October to December of 2016. After further examination, her tumor successfully reduced in size to 2.8 cm and she continues with her treatment as of now.

The Addition of Chinese Medicine can assist Patients in completing their Treatments with Ease
　　In order to ease the minds of our patients to complete their treatments, CMUH also collaborates with our Chinese Medicine Team. Chinese Medicine Gynecology Department, Dr. Ying-yu Chen, points out, “By understanding the medications the patient uses in Neoadjuvant Therapy and complete assessment of the patient’s physiology, suitable Chinese Medicine can be prescribed to help alleviate the side effects of breast cancer treatments.” Other than the side effects that Ms. Huang observed (swelling of the limbs, nausea, skin rashes), other side effects that are commonly seen in breast cancer treatments such as: mouth sores, fatigue, dizziness can also be effectively alleviated with Chinese Medicine. Patients who are hospitalized can utilize their stay by visiting our Chinese Medicine Department for immediate relief. Patients are then encouraged to continue their Chinese Medicine treatments to assist them regain their health after being discharged from the hospital. Ms. Huang expresses that Neoadjuvant Therapy allowed her to keep her breasts and with the collaboration of Chinese Medicine she was relieved of the side effects from her cancer treatment. She says: “I encourage all patients to actively cooperate with your doctor for both western and eastern treatments. There is always hope as long as one is alive!”

　　CMUH's Breast Center works in full cooperation with a multitude of departments to provide all-rounded care for our patients. Since 2011 to February of 2016, the hospital has had 2653 cases of which 451 accepted Neoadjuvant Therapy. Despite clinic hour patients surpassing 400 in number, our team still persevered with excellent teamwork to provide the best care for our patients. In close collaboration with the Anderson Cancer Center of Texas University, we seek to reach optimal clinical treatments.

Director of Breast Medical Center Dr. Liang-Chih Liu

and Dr. Ying-yu Chen of Chinese Medicine