The ability of SERMs, like raloxifene and tamoxifene, to lower breast cancer risk has been a subject of debate and research. Medical communities in different countries are trying their best to find the truth about the presumed effects of aromatase inhibitors in reducing breast cancer development. Drugs such as letrozole and anastrozole have been in use for long as hormonal therapies to prevent recurrence of breast cancer. However, none of them are yet to find approval as possible solutions to breast cancer risk reduction. All said and done, exemestane, a notable drug from this category, has shown great results in the cure and treatment of breast cancer. Moreover, researchers are also studying fenretinide as a major factor in the reduction of breast cancer risks. In a study conducted recently, it was shown that Fenretinide was almost as effective as tamoxifen. The ideal period for which these drugs should be taken by women is not known yet. Women also feel skeptical about taking SERMS considering the possible side effects involved in doing so. Of all other, SERMs, tamofixan has been approved for testing by the FDA.

Researchers are currently assessing the abilities of newer imaging techniques to detect problem areas in the breast which could act as possible breeding grounds for cancer. CAD or Computer Aided Detection and Diagnosis were developed primarily to track suspicious transformations on mammogram. While CAD is often regarded as helpful by select sections of the medical community, recent studies speak otherwise. The results of two research programs conducted recently pointed at CAD’s obvious failure in detecting cancer development. Hence, the future of CAD research continues to remain shrouded in doubt.

A breast surgery often leaves the patient with deformed breasts. Doctors, on their part, are trying to solve the problem by applying a combinative strategy of plastic and cancer surgeries respectively. Known as oncoplastic surgery, it helps reshape the breast by performing operations on both the breasts to make them look similar. The field is undergoing thorough research. Being fairly new, the concept does not have too many enthusiasts around. The major concern with oncoplastic surgery borders mainly on the possibility that it might leave tumor tissues behind.

Since the advanced stages of breast cancer are difficult to deal with, the medical community is looking for better and newer drugs. They have managed to develop a drug class that addresses cancers triggered through BRCA mutations. Better known as PARPR inhibitors, this variety of drugs has shown considerable promise in clinical trials for treating ovarian, prostrate and, of course, breast cancer. Scientists and researchers are conducting further studies to see if the medicine can be used to heal patients not affected by BRCA mutations also.

Cancer spreads through the body when blood vessels start feeding on cancer cells. Research shows that breast cancer cases where the number of smaller or newer vessels is relatively large are likely to turn more fatal. To prevent this, researchers are experimenting with different varieties of anti-angiogenesis drug. Bevacizumab is a case in point. However, the possible effects of bevacizumab in lowering the spread of cancer cells are quiet debatable. Hence, clinical trials are being conducted to test other varieties of angiogenesis drugs. The newer drugs that are being observed now may help reduce the growth of breast cancer by preventing blood vessels from getting formed.