Breast Cancer (TAC)
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description
TAC chemotherapy, standing for Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide, is a commonly used regimen in breast cancer treatment, particularly effective for early-stage and high-risk cases. TAC combines three potent chemotherapy drugs that work together to inhibit cancer cell growth, prevent cell division, and, ultimately, induce cell death. Docetaxel is a taxane drug that disrupts microtubules in cancer cells, impeding their division. Doxorubicin is an anthracycline that interferes with DNA inside the cells, making it impossible for them to replicate, while Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent that modifies DNA to stop cancer cells from proliferating.
This chemotherapy regimen is often selected for patients with specific cancer profiles, especially those with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. TAC can be administered in an adjuvant setting (post-surgery) to eliminate remaining cancer cells, or neoadjuvantly (before surgery) to reduce tumor size. The combination of these three drugs creates a synergistic effect, which can make TAC a preferred choice when aiming for high efficacy in cancer control.
TAC chemotherapy typically follows a cycle-based approach, with the drugs administered over a set period followed by a rest period to allow the patient’s body to recover. The exact structure and intensity of the TAC regimen are carefully tailored to each patient’s health condition, age, and cancer stage. This highly personalized approach is one of the reasons TAC is a frequently chosen regimen for more aggressive breast cancers.
Procedure Duration
The TAC chemotherapy cycle generally involves a three-week period for each cycle, during which the drugs are administered over one or more days. This is then followed by a rest period where the body can recover from the side effects of the chemotherapy. Typically, TAC is administered over six cycles, totaling about 18 weeks of treatment time. However, this timeline may vary depending on individual patient needs and how well the body tolerates the treatment.
Each cycle begins with the administration of the three drugs, either intravenously in a clinic or hospital setting. Each session can last several hours as the drugs are infused slowly to reduce the risk of adverse reactions. Some patients may experience immediate side effects like nausea or fatigue, while others may experience delayed reactions days after the chemotherapy session.
Recovery from each TAC cycle takes roughly two to three weeks, during which patients should monitor their health closely and follow any supportive treatments recommended by their healthcare provider. These can include medications to counteract side effects, dietary adjustments to manage nausea and energy levels, and light physical activities to maintain overall wellness. The recovery phase continues even after the last cycle, as the body works to restore normal function and minimize any long-term effects of the chemotherapy.
Benefits
- Effective for Aggressive Breast Cancer: TAC chemotherapy has shown promising results in treating aggressive, high-risk breast cancer types, often resulting in reduced tumor size.
- Can Be Combined with Surgery: TAC is frequently used in adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, complementing surgery to improve treatment outcomes.
- Customizable Regimen: TAC cycles and drug dosages are customizable based on the patient’s health, making the treatment highly personalized.
- Potential for Cancer Elimination: By combining three potent drugs, TAC increases the chances of eliminating cancer cells, even in cases where they may be resistant to individual drugs.
- Flexible Administration Options: TAC is widely available in many medical centers, enabling patients to find treatment options close to home or in specialized international destinations.
Potential Destinations
- Turkey: Known for high-quality, cost-effective cancer care, Turkey has an extensive network of hospitals and cancer centers that offer TAC chemotherapy. Many hospitals here are equipped with advanced technology and experienced oncologists trained in complex cancer treatments.
- India: India has become a popular destination for cancer treatment due to its affordable healthcare services and availability of specialized oncology centers. With comprehensive facilities and experienced professionals, India provides world-class care at a fraction of the cost found in Western countries.
- Thailand: Thailand is renowned for its medical tourism infrastructure and offers TAC chemotherapy in many accredited hospitals. With English-speaking staff, advanced technology, and comfortable patient accommodations, Thailand combines quality care with a supportive environment for international patients.
- Mexico: Mexico provides high-quality cancer treatment options, including TAC, especially in its border cities and major hubs like Mexico City. The close proximity to the United States, coupled with cost-effective care, makes Mexico a convenient choice for North American patients.
- South Korea: South Korea is known for its cutting-edge technology and skilled healthcare professionals, making it an attractive option for TAC chemotherapy. The country’s cancer centers often combine TAC treatment with supportive therapies, providing a holistic approach to breast cancer care.
Risks & Considerations
- Immune System Suppression: TAC chemotherapy can severely reduce white blood cell count, increasing susceptibility to infections and requiring careful monitoring.
- Cardiovascular Risk: Certain drugs within the TAC regimen, like Doxorubicin, are known to pose potential cardiovascular risks, especially in high doses or prolonged treatments.
- Nausea and Digestive Issues: Chemotherapy often causes nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort. Patients may need medications to counteract these symptoms.
- Fatigue and Weakness: The potent combination of TAC drugs can lead to significant fatigue, impacting daily activities and requiring adjustments to routine tasks and responsibilities.
- Hair Loss and Physical Side Effects: Hair loss, skin changes, and weight fluctuations are common side effects that may affect patients’ self-esteem and physical comfort.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital
When seeking TAC chemotherapy for breast cancer, especially abroad, choosing a qualified and experienced doctor is essential. Look for oncologists with specialized expertise in breast cancer treatment and a proven track record with TAC or similar chemotherapy regimens. A reliable doctor will discuss treatment options transparently, provide insights into expected outcomes, and suggest supportive therapies to enhance patient recovery.
Additionally, selecting a hospital with a strong oncology department and accreditation from a reputable international organization ensures adherence to high-quality healthcare standards. Patients should also confirm the hospital’s experience in managing international patients, as this can ease language barriers and ensure a more comfortable experience throughout the treatment journey.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
Orthopedics Stem Cell
Knee
Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.
Shoulder
Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.
Ankle
If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.
Back Pain
Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.
Anti-Aging Stem Cell
Hair Loss
Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.
Facial Anti-Aging
Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.
Fertility Stem Cell
Endometrial PRP
The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.
Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)
The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.
Punta Mita Hospital
Mexico
Punta Mita Hospital - Genesis Cell
Mexico
