Local Treatments

Surgery

Common operations to treat breast cancer include a partial mastectomy, mastectomy, and lymph node biopsy. Candidacy for surgery is based on age, medical condition, performance status (level of functioning), and tumor stage.

Radiation

Radiation oncology includes treatment of the tumor or surgical field with radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. The decision for radiation therapy is based on resectability status, surgical margins, and lymph node involvement..

Systemic Treatments

CHEMOTHERAPY

Treatment administered (generally by vein) to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy can involve the use of single anti-cancer drugs or a combination of different drugs.

TARGETED THERAPY

Targeted therapy is a precise cancer treatment that attacks specific cancer cells. Targeted therapy is often delivered in pill form.

ENDOCRINE THERAPY

Endocrine therapy blocks hormones that that help certain cancers to develop. Endocrine therapies are typically delivered in pill form.

Additional Resources

EARLY PHASE RESEARCH TRIALS

Research trials that incorporate existing treatments incombination with study drugs under investigation. Generally reserved for patients with advanced (Stage IV) cancer.

GENETIC TESTING

We provide comprehensive genetic testing of patients’ tumors. Genetic tumor testing is an invaluable resource that helps us go straight to treatments that have a higher probability of working.

OUTPATIENT PHARMACY

The START Center’s on-site pharmacy services include prior authorizations processing, financial assistance, medication dispensing, counseling, and, if necessary, specialty medication home delivery.