Breast Cancer During Pregnancy Successfully Treated at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital
New Delhi: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital recently reported a success story in managing a complex case of breast cancer during pregnancy, highlighting the expertise of its oncology team and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.
A 35-year-old woman, who was 5 months pregnant, presented to the hospital in July 2024 with a breast lump. Given the pregnancy, mammography was contraindicated due to fetal radiation risk. A whole-body MRI revealed a tumor in the left breast with axillary lymph node involvement, but no evidence of spread elsewhere.
A biopsy confirmed invasive breast cancer which was triple-positive (Estrogen, Progesterone, and HER2neu gene).
Treatment Dilemma and Patient’s Choice
The patient was counseled extensively about three options:
Terminate pregnancy and begin cancer treatment,
Surgery first followed by chemotherapy,
Chemotherapy first and then surgery.
After detailed counselling, she opted for surgery first. The surgery, a mastectomy, was successfully performed by Dr. Rakesh Kr. Koul, Co-Chairperson, Surgical Oncology. Post-surgery, the axillary lymph nodes tested positive, necessitating further treatment.
Safe Chemotherapy During Pregnancy
According to Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Chairperson, Medical Oncology, “Chemotherapy is safe for pregnant women after the first trimester, with minimal risk of abortion and no adverse effect on fetal development.” However, Anti-HER2neu therapy is contraindicated in pregnancy.
The patient underwent 12 weekly cycles of Paclitaxel chemotherapy during pregnancy, which she tolerated well, with no adverse impact on fetal growth. By January 2025, she delivered a healthy baby via normal vaginal delivery.
Post-Delivery Advanced Care
Following delivery, she received:
Adjuvant chemotherapy (4 cycles anthracycline-based)
Radiotherapy to the operated site
Anti-HER2neu targeted therapy (Trastuzumab & Pertuzumab for one year)
Hormonal therapy (planned for 8 years)
Both mother and newborn are healthy, with no complications reported.
“This case underscores the importance of a Multidisciplinary approach is key to success in the majority of cancers,” said Dr. Shyam Aggarwal. “We successfully saved both lives by combining surgical, medical, and supportive care in a carefully coordinated manner.”
Dr. Rakesh Koul added, “With timely intervention and collaboration, breast cancer treatment during pregnancy can be both safe and effective, ensuring optimal outcomes for both mother and child.”
This case reaffirms that surgery and chemotherapy are safe during pregnancy (post-first trimester), though anti-HER2neu therapy must be deferred until after delivery. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital continues to set benchmarks in complex oncology care with personalised and evidence-based treatment.
Kanchan Chaurasiya joined Medical Dialogues in 2025 as a Media and Marketing Intern. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts from Delhi University and has completed certifications in digital marketing. She has a strong interest in health news, content creation, hospital updates, and emerging trends. At Medical Dialogues, Kanchan manages social media and also creates web stories to enhance mobile content reach and audience engagement.