Biomarkers and Treatment Strategies for Breast Cancer Recurrence

Abstract: Despite recent treatment advancements, breast cancer remains a life-threatening disease. Although treatment is successful in the early stages, a significant proportion of individuals with breast cancer eventually experience a recurrence of the disease. Breast tumour recurrence poses a significant medical issue. Despite tumours being a primary cause of mortality, there remains a limited understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying tumour recurrence. The majority of the time, after surgery or medical treatment, this metastatic disease manifests itself after the disease is undiagnosed for a considerable amount of time. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as a relapse or recurrence. Metastatic breast cancer has the potential to recur at varying intervals, ranging from a few months to several decades following the initial diagnosis and treatment. This article aimed to summarise the primary causes of breast cancer recurrence and highlight the key issues that need to be addressed in order to effectively decrease the mortality rate among breast cancer patients. This article discusses various therapeutic approaches currently employed and emerging treatment strategies that hold the potential for the complete cure of cancer.