Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatments: What's the Best Approach?
Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatments: What's the Best Approach?
Finding the Best Fit
Choosing the right treatment for metastatic breast cancer can be daunting. This guide helps you navigate the options to find the best fit for your needs.
Contents
- Systemic Therapies
- Targeting Hormone Receptors
- Managing Side Effects
Systemic Therapies
Systemic therapies are treatments that travel through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. They include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. The choice of therapy depends on the cancer's specific characteristics.
Targeting Hormone Receptors
Hormone receptor-positive cancers can be treated with hormone therapies that block cancer's ability to use hormones for growth. This approach is often paired with targeted drugs to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects.
Managing Side Effects
While treatments aim to control the cancer, managing side effects is crucial. Supportive care measures like medication for nausea and pain relief help maintain quality of life during treatment. Patients should discuss potential side effects with their healthcare team.
FAQs
What are systemic therapies?
They are treatments that target cancer cells throughout the body.
How does hormone therapy work?
It blocks cancer's use of hormones for growth.
What are targeted therapies?
They are drugs designed to target specific characteristics of cancer cells.
The Bottom Line
The best treatment approach is personalized to each patient's cancer and needs.
Additional References
- United States Food and Drug Administration press release. FDA approves alpelisib for metastatic breast cancer.
- Biomarkers for Systemic Therapy in Metastatic Breast Cancer: ASCO Guideline Update.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.