Since Stage IV breast cancer has spread to other sections of the body and is therefore incurable, it poses special obstacles. Improvements in clinical trials and research provide some hope for a better prognosis. We'll examine the range of possibilities for treating late-stage breast cancer in this blog article, using information from the most recent scientific findings.
Systemic Medicine
The mainstay of treatment for metastatic breast cancer is systemic therapy, which makes use of medications that act on all bodily systems. The particulars of the malignancy, such as its HER2 and hormone receptor status, determine which drug is best.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy targets cancer cells to limit their growth or reduce tumours. It can be administered orally or intravenously.
Targeted therapy
This treatment modifies the defects that propel the growth of cancer and is only appropriate for patients who have a BRCA gene mutation, are HER2-positive, or are hormone receptor-positive.
Hormone Therapy
Endocrine therapy, often known as hormone therapy, is used to stop the growth of breast cancer when it is hormone receptor-positive.
Immunotherapy
It is an innovative approach that increases the immune system's capacity to combat cancerous cells. For patients with higher levels of PD-L1 protein and triple-negative breast cancer, this approach shows great promise.
Understanding Breast Cancer in Stage IV
As breast cancer reaches stage IV, it means that the cancer cells have progressed to other organs and tissues, such as the liver, lungs, bones, and occasionally the brain.
The primary stay of treatment is systemic medication therapy, although, in certain circumstances, local and regional therapies like radiation therapy and surgery may be used.
Methods of Customized Treatment
★ Cancers Associated with Hormone Receptors
Hormone therapy, possibly in conjunction with a CDK4/6 inhibitor, maybe the initial course of treatment. A different approach using targeted medications for hormone therapy is taken into consideration if the first therapy is unsuccessful.
★ HER2-Positive Cancers
Chemotherapy with HER2-targeting medications, such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab, is the first line of treatment.
Kinase inhibitors in combination with other medications or antibody-drug conjugates may be the next course of action.
★ HER2-Negative Cancers with BRCA Gene Mutation
Treatment typically includes PARP inhibitors along with chemotherapy and hormone drugs.
★ Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy may be used for advanced TNBC with PD-L1 protein. For TNBC with a BRCA mutation, PARP inhibitors are considered.
★ Advanced Breast Cancer Progressing During Treatment
For hormone receptor-positive cancers, switching to different hormone therapies or adding targeted drugs may be explored. In cases of progression during chemotherapy, trying alternative regimens or incorporating immunotherapy may be considered. For HER2-positive cancers, various targeted drug combinations are available.
Dr. Pragati Singhal
