Metastatic Breast Cancer
Metastatic breast cancer, also referred to as stage IV breast cancer, originated in the breasts but has since developed in other areas of the body. This happens when cancer cells enter the lymph nodes. The cells then travel through the body in the lymph fluid and eventually settle in another area of the body where they begin to grow. The Rocky Mountain Breast Specialists are experts in caring for patients with metastatic breast cancer using the most advanced treatments available today.
Breast cancer can come back months or even years after initial diagnosis and may reappear in any part of the body. It’s estimated that this will happen for nearly 30% of all women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. The good news is that treatments for metastatic breast cancer have advanced greatly in the past decade, making it possible to manage metastatic breast cancer for many patients as a chronic condition.
How is Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Advanced breast cancer is typically found during routine follow-up appointments. Your oncologist may request various tests, including imaging, such as a PET scan, a bone scan, and blood tests that look for tumor markers indicating cancer has returned. Many times, patients have no symptoms of breast cancer growth in other areas of the body. When symptoms appear, they are not usually related to a lump in the breast, such as:
- Constant dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Numbness or weakness throughout the body
- Difficulty urinating
- Consistent back, bone, or joint pain
- Chest pain
Please keep in mind that this is not an all-inclusive list of symptoms. If you notice any changes in your body, you should report any new symptoms to your oncologist right away.
Where is Breast Cancer Most Likely to Spread?
Breast cancer can spread to any part of the body. However, it most commonly spreads to the brain, lungs, liver, or bones. The location of the new cancer growth will direct the types of treatment that may be used for the best results. Remember, your cancer will be treated as breast cancer regardless of where it appears in the body.
How is Metastatic Breast Cancer Different from Other Stages?
Metastatic breast cancer treatments and their goals are not typically the same as treatments for earlier stages. While the goal of treatment in earlier stages focuses on curing it, the goal in stage IV breast cancer is typically management. This includes slowing the growth of the cancer, alleviating symptoms, and improving quality of life since the cancer is considered incurable at this stage.
Ultimately, the treatment for stage IV metastatic breast cancer is more complex and personalized, depending on the cancer's characteristics and how it responds to different types of therapies. Let’s look at how metastatic breast cancer treatments are different from those given at earlier stages.
Treatment Focus and Goals
Earlier Stages (I-III)
Stage IV
The goal is primarily to manage the disease, reduce the tumor, and relieve symptoms rather than cure. Treatment focuses on controlling the cancer and extending life, as stage IV breast cancer can’t be entirely removed.
Surgical Approach
Earlier Stages
Surgery is a key component of treatment, with either a lumpectomy (removal of the tumor) or a mastectomy (removal of the entire breast).
Stage IV
Surgery is less common, except in cases that can relieve symptoms.
Chemotherapy
Earlier Stages
Chemotherapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Stage IV
Chemotherapy is used for metastatic disease management. It is typically given to control the cancer, often after the cancer is resistant to other therapies. It may be used in combination with other systemic treatments like targeted therapies or immunotherapy.
Targeted Therapy
Earlier Stages
If the breast cancer is HER2-positive, targeted therapies may be used. Other biomarker tests may be run to see if another targeted therapy drug can help the patient.
Stage IV
Targeted therapies are central to treatment, as they focus on specific genetic or molecular characteristics of the cancer. The cancer cells are biomarker tested to determine which therapies would be effective. Targeted therapy can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy or other treatments, like immunotherapy, to manage metastatic cancer.
Immunotherapy
Earlier Stages
Immunotherapy is typically not used in early-stage breast cancer except in clinical trials.
Stage IV
Immunotherapy can be used in some cases, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer or other subtypes where immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown benefit. It is often used when the cancer does not respond well to other standard therapies.
Radiation Therapy
Earlier Stages
Radiation is often used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence in the breast or lymph nodes.
Stage IV
Radiation therapy is usually palliative, typically shrinking tumors in other areas of the body to relieve pain.
Clinical Research Trials
Earlier Stages
Clinical research trials may be available for patients with stages I - III breast cancer through Rocky Mountain Breast Specialists (RMBS). This includes new uses for drugs already approved for advanced-stage breast cancer to determine how they can be used earlier in the treatment process.
Stage IV
There are quite a few drug trials available through RMBS evaluating new drugs for metastatic breast cancer and new combinations of already approved drugs to identify new and improved treatments that give patients a better prognosis.
Palliative Care
Palliative care becomes an important part of treatment, focusing on managing symptoms such as pain, fatigue, nausea, and emotional distress so patients can manage their daily activities.
RMBS Provides Treatment for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Thanks to advancements in treatment, metastatic breast cancer can now be managed as a chronic condition, allowing individuals to live a fuller, enriched life for many years. If you are a breast cancer survivor, we encourage you to schedule and attend all of your follow-up appointments. You may not experience any symptoms, but these tests will give your oncologist a more thorough understanding of your current health and what to do if cancer is found.
The Rocky Mountain Breast Specialists provide the latest treatment options for metastatic breast cancer. If you were recently told your breast cancer has advanced, schedule an appointment to talk to one of our specialists. Find a location in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and surrounding areas throughout Colorado to schedule an appointment.
