Metastatic breast cancer poses distinctive hurdles, yet recent advancements in therapies bring renewed optimism. Targeted treatments and immunotherapies effectively address specific cancer types, increasing the potential for improved outcomes. Additionally, participation in clinical trials opens pathways to innovative treatments and tailored care that can enhance overall quality of life for those facing this complex diagnosis.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: What It Is
Metastatic breast cancer is a stage of breast cancer in which the disease has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. It is the most advanced stage of breast cancer and is considered incurable, but with proper treatment, it can be managed and patients can live for many years.
Metastatic breast cancer is diagnosed when cancer cells are found in other parts of the body through imaging tests such as bone scans, CT scans, or MRIs. The type of treatment depends on the location and extent of the metastases, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences.
Treatment options for metastatic breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. The goal of treatment is to control tumor growth, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Targeted Therapies & Immunotherapy
Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target cancer cells and interfere with their growth and spread. They are used to treat certain types of metastatic breast cancer that have specific genetic mutations or protein overexpression. For example, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer can be treated with targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), pertuzumab (Perjeta), and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla).
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that boosts the patient’s own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is used to treat certain types of metastatic breast cancer that have certain biomarkers, such as PD-L1 expression. Immunotherapy drugs such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda), atezolizumab (Tecentriq), and durvalumab (Imfinzi) have been shown to be effective in treating metastatic breast cancer.
Targeted therapies and immunotherapy are effective treatment options for specific types of metastatic breast cancer. They can help control tumor growth, manage symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Clinical Trials: Access to Innovation
Clinical trials offer patients with metastatic breast cancer the opportunity to access innovative treatments and personalized care. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments for cancer. They are conducted by researchers at hospitals, universities, and cancer centers.
Participating in a clinical trial can give patients access to treatments that are not yet widely available. It also allows patients to contribute to the advancement of cancer research and help improve the lives of future patients. Clinical trials are carefully monitored to ensure the safety of participants.
Patients who are interested in participating in a clinical trial should talk to their doctor to see if they are eligible. Clinical trials offer patients with metastatic breast cancer the chance to receive innovative treatments and contribute to the advancement of cancer research.
Learn More About Metastatic Breast Cancer
There are many resources available to learn more about metastatic breast cancer. The American Cancer Society, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance are all reputable organizations that provide information and support to patients and their families.