Bengaluru, 29th October 2024: Fortis Hospital Bannerghatta Road successfully treated a 37-year-old lady, who was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer while being pregnant with twins. Despite the severity and complexity of her condition, a multidisciplinary oncology team, including Dr Bharath G, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, and Dr Vivek Belathur, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology led by Dr Sandeep Nayak P, Director of the Department of Surgical Oncology and Robotic & Laparoscopic Surgery, at Fortis hospital Bannerghatta Road devised a comprehensive treatment plan. This approach has given her hope for recovery and the opportunity to embrace motherhood.
A year ago, during her 18th week of pregnancy, patient Priya (name changed) noticed a lump in her right breast, prompting a visit to her physician. An MRI revealed a complex mass in the breast that involved surrounding tissues, though it had not yet spread to the muscles. Additionally, multiple lymph nodes (small, bean-shaped structures that help fight infection) in the right armpit and chest area were found. A biopsy (a test where a small sample of tissue is taken for analysis) confirmed that she was suffering from Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma (a fast-growing type of breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts and spreads to surrounding tissue). At the time of diagnosis, her cancer was classified as stage 3 and HER2-positive, meaning her cancer cells had an excess of a protein called HER2, which promotes cancer cell growth. This classification also indicated that her cancer was unresponsive to certain hormone therapies, adding further complexity to her treatment plan.
Given the complexity of her condition, the multidisciplinary team of oncologists, obstetricians, and surgeons worked closely to develop a treatment plan that would balance the needs of both mother and babies. The medical team’s strategy involved a combination of chemotherapy, advanced imaging techniques, and surgery, ensuring that her health was prioritized while minimizing risks to the twins.
Giving details of the surgery Dr Bharath G, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road said “Priya’s case was especially challenging, as she was 18 weeks pregnant with twins while simultaneously battling an aggressive and rapidly progressing cancer. Our team, consisting of both oncology specialists and obstetricians, had to strike a delicate balance between treating the cancer and ensuring the safety of both mother and babies. We began with chemotherapy to control the cancer, taking every precaution to minimize risks to the unborn babies. At 34 weeks, we decided to perform an early Caesarean section to deliver the twins safely, allowing us to focus on her ongoing treatment while ensuring both her health and the babies’ well-being.”
Explaining the procedure in detail, Dr Vivek Belathur, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road said “She underwent chemotherapy during pregnancy, which presented its own set of challenges. Unfortunately, despite the initial treatments, a PET scan (a scan that shows how the cells in the body are functioning, including cancerous cells) post-delivery indicated disease progression, and the cancer was found to have spread further. Following the delivery of the twins, Priya underwent a mastectomy surgery to remove the affected breast. This step was crucial in the battle against the cancer. She is now receiving targeted therapy aimed at HER2-positive cancer cells, in addition to bone health medications to strengthen her bones and reduce the risk of spread of cancer to other parts of the body. The latest scans show that the new medication regimen has started to show positive effects, with reduced signs of cancer progression and a renewed hope for recovery. She is scheduled for breast reconstruction in the upcoming months.”
Mr. Akshay Oleti, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals, Bengaluru said, “At Fortis Hospitals, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of personalized medical care. In Priya’s complex case, our multidisciplinary team worked with precision and empathy to ensure both her and her twins’ well-being. We are proud to have utilized advanced techniques, including targeted therapy and breast removal surgery, to address the aggressive cancer and provide a tailored treatment plan. This case reflects our commitment to integrating cutting-edge medical technologies with compassionate care, setting new benchmarks in patient outcomes and offering renewed hope for recovery.”