Medical Oncology for Breast Cancer Treatment

Medical oncology for breast cancer treatment involves using different types of anticancer medications to slow or stop breast cancer growth. Medical oncology treatments may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

At UPMC, our medical oncologists use the latest medications — often in combination with other therapies or as part of clinical trials — to optimize your breast cancer treatment.

What Is Medical Oncology for Breast Cancer? 

Medical oncology for breast cancer involves using different types of anticancer medications to slow or stop breast cancer growth.

Medical oncology treatments may include:

• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy

What Conditions Do We Treat? 

Breast medical oncologists treat all types and stages of breast cancer. Medical oncology treatment can be used:

• After surgery, to kill any remaining cancer cells.
• Before surgery, to shrink the tumor so it can be removed more easily.
• By itself, when cancer can’t be treated with other therapies.
• In combination with other therapies, including surgery or radiation therapy.
• To reduce your risk of cancer recurrence.
• To treat cancer that has spread to other areas of your body.

Who’s Eligible for Medical Oncology for Breast Cancer?

Many types of breast cancer can be treated with medical oncology therapies. Your doctor will let you know if you are eligible for medical oncology treatment.

What Medical Oncology Treatments Do We Offer for Breast Cancer? 

Medical oncology treatment options for breast cancer include:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medications that travel through your bloodstream to kill cancer cells throughout your body. It may be used by itself or in combination with hormone therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or breast cancer surgery.

Hormone therapy

In people with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer, breast cancer cells have proteins that attach to estrogen and progesterone hormones, which occur naturally in the body. These hormones cause breast cancer to grow and spread.

Hormone therapy slows or stops cancer growth by preventing hormones from attaching to the breast cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a breast cancer treatment that uses medications to boost your immune system’s ability to identify and kill cancer cells.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapies work similarly to antibodies produced naturally by your immune system. These antibodies identify and attack foreign cells, including cancer cells. A type of targeted therapy medication known as monoclonal antibodies uses antibodies specially “programmed” in a lab to find and destroy breast cancer cells.

Medical oncology clinical trials

UPMC experts participate in national, multicenter clinical trials that study promising medical oncology treatments for breast cancer.

This means you can take part in research that has the potential to enhance breast cancer care and access groundbreaking treatments years before they are available to the public. Your doctor will let you know if a medical oncology clinical trial might be an option for you. 

What Can I Expect? 

Your doctor will inform you if a specific type of medical oncology treatment for breast cancer is an option for you. What to expect during your treatment will depend on whether you receive chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or hormone therapy, and whether your medication is given by IV, injection, or as a pill.

Your doctor will monitor your medication response throughout your treatment and help you manage any side effects.

Why Choose UPMC for Medical Oncology for Breast Cancer? 

When you choose UPMC for medical oncology for breast cancer, you will receive:

• Comprehensive breast cancer expertise — The breast cancer experts at UPMC provide state-of-the-art care for every form of breast cancer at every stage of the disease.
• Personalized, collaborative care — Our surgical, medical, and radiation oncologists work together to plan the best course of therapy for you.
• Supportive services tailored to your needs — Our approach to breast cancer care honors your preferences by blending advanced clinical methods with supportive services for the best possible results.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2025-09-18.