Breast cancer

[Derek70]

Has anyone been told they can't have biological medicine after radiation and chemo?

[SLS2103]

Biological treatment hasn't been offered to me, but I think that's only because I'm recently diagnosed. Hopefully someone else has an answer for you. Sarah

[Fernlife]

Hi Derek70,

l completed my treatment for breast cancer in 2020 (chemo and radio) and started a biologic this year. I was concerned about the online information that stated it wasn’t suitable for those who previously had cancer.

I spoke to my rheumatologist about it and she explained that this guidance was developed when the drug first came to market. The drug company was concerned that any new or recurrent cancer diagnosis would result in the drug being pulled from the market. As a result it was not recommended for anyone within 5 years of completing treatment, as they have the highest risk of recurrence.

She sent my case to my prior oncologist for review anyway. My oncologist said that there was some concern about biologics when they were first released over the potential to cause cancer for those most at risk, but that there has been no evidence of this in actual practice. She said that the biggest risk for cancer reoccurrence for me was having active and untreated lupus.

I’ve since started the biologic. Perhaps you could ask your rheumatologist to send it to your past oncologist for review?

I hope that helps.

[Derek70 in reply to Fernlife]

Thank you very much! Great information. This will be so helpful to me. Appreciate you. Have a great day