Attention of breast cancer patients on target treatment
Preparation for treatment:
– Comprehensive examination and evaluation: Before the initiation of target treatment, the patient needs to undergo a full physical examination, including blood protocol, liver and kidney function, EKG, heart ultrasound, etc., to assess whether the basic condition of the body is suitable for target treatment. Particular attention should be paid to the function of the heart, as some of the target drugs may have adverse effects on the heart. If the patient has a heart disease or other basic disease, the doctor needs to carefully assess the feasibility and risk of the treatment in the specific case.
– Identification of pathological characteristics: It is important to determine the pathological type and molecular characteristics of breast cancer, and only certain types of breast cancer, such as HeR2 positive, are suitable for target treatment. Patients therefore need relevant genetic tests and pathological analyses to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of targeted treatment.
– Inform doctors of their history of medications and allergies: they are informed in detail of all drugs they are using, including prescriptions, non-prescriptions, health care, etc., and whether there is an allergic history of certain drugs or foods. Certain drugs may interact with target-to-drugs, affect treatment outcomes or increase the risk of adverse reactions.
2. Elements of care in the use of drugs:
– Strict compliance with medical instructions: the time, dose and method of treatment of the target drug are strictly required, and the patient must take the drug in strict compliance with the doctor ‘ s advice, and must not alter the dose or stop the drug. If you forget to take a pill and do not replace it, you should consult a doctor in due course.
– Observation of the adverse effects of drugs:
– Common adverse effects: Targeting drugs can cause a number of adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, fatigue, etc. The patient is required to closely observe his/her condition during the course of his/her medication, e.g., if the symptoms are light, he/she can first be observed or treated as prescribed by the doctor; if the symptoms are serious, e.g. serious rashes, breathing difficulties, continued high fever, severe diarrhoea or vomiting, then the medication should be stopped and medically treated in a timely manner.
– Cardiac toxicity: Some of the target drugs may have some toxicity to the heart, and patients may have symptoms of heart palpitation, chest distress, increased heart rate, etc. In the course of the treatment, there shall be regular examination of the cardiac function and, in the event of a heart condition, a doctor shall be informed in a timely manner.
– Periodic review: During the targeted treatment, patients are required to visit the hospital for periodic review, including blood tests, video-testing, etc., to assess the effects of the treatment and the side effects of the drug. The doctor adjusts the treatment to the results of the review to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
– Attention to the preservation of drugs: Targeted drugs need to be preserved at specific temperature and humidity to ensure their effectiveness. The patient shall be kept in accordance with the requirements set out in the medical instructions in order to avoid the expiry of the drug as a result of its improper maintenance.
3. Dietary care:
– Avoiding foods that affect drug metabolism: furan fragrance in fruit such as grapefruit, peaches, grapefruit, oranges and pomegranates, which affects the metabolism of some drugs and thus the efficacy of the target-to-drugs. Thus, the consumption of these fruits should be avoided during the use of targeted drugs.
– Maintaining a balanced diet: patients should maintain good eating habits and eat more foods rich in vitamins, cellulose and high-quality proteins, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, milk, etc., in order to increase their body ‘ s immunity and reduce the side effects of drugs.
– Avoiding irritating foods: avoid eating irritated foods such as spicy, greasy, pickled, barbecued, etc., so as not to increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract and lead to discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Lifestyle adjustments:
– Maintain a good rest: ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, and regularity helps to improve the body ‘ s immunity and tolerance to treatment.
– Moderate exercise: A modest exercise, such as walking, yoga, Tai Chi, etc., in accordance with their physical condition, helps to promote blood circulation and improves the metabolic level of the body, while avoiding overwork and intense physical activity.
– Avoiding infection: Targeted treatment may affect the patient ‘ s immune system and reduce the patient ‘ s immunity, so that the patient should be careful to avoid infection and avoid as many people as possible and maintain good hygiene.
5. Psychological regulation: The targeting of breast cancer is a long-term process and patients may face double physical and psychological stress. Patients therefore need to maintain a good mentality and be active in the face of disease and treatment, which can alleviate stress through communication with family, friends and psychological counselling, and enhance the confidence and courage of treatment.
