Doctronic navigation menu Log In
Doctronic navigation menu
Contents
  • Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer
  • Treatment Options
  • The Importance of Tumor Biology

Metastatic Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

Metastatic Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

The Big Picture

Metastatic breast cancer is an advanced stage of breast cancer where the disease has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. This article breaks down the essentials of understanding and managing this complex condition.
Contents
  • Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer
  • Treatment Options
  • The Importance of Tumor Biology

Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV cancer, occurs when breast cancer cells spread to distant organs like bones, liver, or lungs. While it is not typically curable, recent advancements in treatment have significantly improved survival rates. Treatment focuses on prolonging life, relieving symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.

Treatment Options

Treatment is personalized based on the cancer's characteristics and patient factors. Options include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care. Hormone therapy is often used for hormone receptor-positive cancers, while chemotherapy is common for triple-negative cancers.
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV, occurs when breast cancer cells spread to distant organs such as bones, liver, or lungs. Treatment focuses on prolonging life, relieving symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.

The Importance of Tumor Biology

Understanding the biology of the tumor is crucial for treatment planning. This involves testing for hormone receptors and HER2 status. These tests help determine the most effective treatment, such as HER2-targeted therapies for HER2-positive cancers.

FAQs

What is metastatic breast cancer?

It's breast cancer that has spread to distant organs.

Can metastatic breast cancer be cured?

It is typically not curable, but treatment can extend life.

What treatments are available?

Options include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.

How is treatment chosen?

Treatment is based on tumor biology and patient health.

Wrapping Up

Metastatic breast cancer requires personalized treatment to manage effectively.
Talk with Doctronic to explore your options for managing metastatic breast cancer.
Additional References
  1. Chia SK, Speers CH, D'yachkova Y, et al. Cancer 2007; 110:973.
  2. Gennari A, Conte P, Rosso R, et al. Cancer 2005; 104:1742.
  3. Dafni U, Grimani I, Xyrafas A, et al. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2010; 119:621.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.