Which type of therapy might be considered for targeted treatment in breast cancer?

Hormone therapy is considered a key approach for targeted treatment in breast cancer due to the role that hormones play in the growth of certain types of breast tumors. Many breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, meaning they express receptors for estrogen and/or progesterone that can promote tumor growth. Hormone therapy works by blocking these hormones from supporting the growth of cancer cells. This can be accomplished through medications that either reduce hormone levels in the body or block the hormones from attaching to cancer cells.

In contrast, radiation therapy is primarily used to kill cancer cells in a specific area, often after surgery, rather than targeting specific hormone interactions. Psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy are not treatments for cancer itself; instead, they are therapies aimed at addressing mental health issues, which may arise as a result of the cancer diagnosis or treatment but do not impact the cancer's biology. Therefore, hormone therapy stands out as a targeted treatment specifically aimed at addressing the mechanisms of breast cancer growth driven by hormonal influences.