Stage 4 or metastatic breast cancer is a type of cancer that spreads to other areas of the body from the breast. This occurs in the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. This type of cancer is not completely curable, but you can manage it to improve the quality of life. Many women with the condition live longer with appropriate treatment and regular check-ups.
Treatment of the condition varies depending on the type of cancer and the health of the patient. Doctors normally develop a treatment plan after thorough tests are conducted on the patient. The main aim of treatment is to slow the growth of cancer cells and improve the patient’s quality of life. Early treatment is important for managing the disease.
Is Metastatic Breast Cancer Common?
The most recent data published by the American Cancer Society shows that around 17,000 women in the U.S.A. are living with stage 4 breast cancer. The organization predicts the number will rise if women opt for early diagnosis.
Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer
If you have stage 4 breast cancer, you may worry that it might affect your daily life, and you may face challenges in performing regular physical activities. Hence, it is important to learn the common symptoms of the disorder so you can choose the right treatment. Some common symptoms include:
- Sudden joint pain
- Swelling
- Numbness or muscle weakness
- Headaches
- Behavioral changes
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Jaundice
- Itchy skin or rash
- Loss of appetite
Key Treatment Options
For metastatic or Stage 4 breast cancer, the treatment is to prolong life and maximize the quality of life. Treatment is systemic and depends on the hormone and HER2 receptor status of the breast cancer. Treatment includes hormonal therapy, targeted therapy with CDK4/6 inhibitors, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and bone-strengthening therapy or radiation therapy. Let’s discuss some in detail.
- Hormone Therap
Hormone therapy is good at treating hormone receptor-positive cancers. This treatment works by stopping or reducing hormones like estrogen that help the cancer grow. Drugs like Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors work well. They are taken as pills and can be taken long-term.
- Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses powerful medicines to destroy cancer cells inside the body. It is commonly used when cancer is growing fast or does not respond to hormone therapy. The treatment may be given in cycles with a rest period in between. Even though side effects such as tiredness and hair loss are possible, doctors take care to minimize these.
- Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy targets specific proteins or genes in cancer cells. In the case of breast cancer, which is caused by the HER2 protein, doctors mostly prescribe Trastuzumab. This kind of treatment is more targeted, so it has fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the immune system fight cancer. This type of cancer treatment is used to treat certain types of cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer. For instance, doctors prescribe certain drugs to help improve survival in such cases.
Other Supportive Treatments
Doctors often recommend certain supportive treatments to help prevent or reduce symptoms. Some of them include:
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to treat cancer. It is also effective at relieving pain, especially if the cancer is in the bones or the brain. It is also good for shrinking tumors that are pressing on organs. It is a fast and targeted therapy.
Surgery
Surgery is not common in metastatic cancer, but sometimes it can be helpful. Surgeons might take out a tumor to ease symptoms or prevent problems from developing. This all depends on the location and extent of cancer growth. Surgery is often combined with other treatments.
Bone-Strengthening Medicines
In cases where cancer has spread to the bones, a doctor may recommend medication to protect them. This helps prevent fractures and pain. It also helps build and improve strength and mobility. Monitoring is important during this time.
Lifestyle and Support Care
Daily care and emotional support are also part of the management of metastatic breast cancer. Proper nutrition is a good way to boost energy levels during treatment. Rest is equally important to allow the body to heal. Mental health support is a very important part of the journey with metastatic breast cancer. Sometimes patients may feel stressed, scared, or sad. Family support is a big part of coping with the condition.
New Advances in Treatment
Research in metastatic breast cancer treatment is increasing rapidly. New drugs and trials hold promise for better outcomes. Personalized medicine is becoming more prevalent, in which treatment is based on genetic testing. It helps doctors determine the best treatment for the patient.
Combination treatments have been effective in treating metastatic breast cancer. Doctors now combine treatments to pursue different approaches to fighting cancer. It helps slow down the disease and extend survival. Keeping abreast of new treatments can benefit patients and families.
When to Talk to a Doctor
Regular check-ups are essential during the treatment period. The patient should inform the doctor about new symptoms or side effects as soon as they occur. This enables the doctor to make the appropriate adjustments to the treatment plan.
In case the current treatment is no longer effective, the doctor recommends a change in the treatment plan. Each patient has a unique experience, so the treatment plan must be flexible enough to accommodate the situation. Communication with the healthcare team enables the patient to make the most appropriate decisions, which can make a huge difference in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Follow Medipedia to learn more about women’s health and various treatment options available to treat breast cancer and other health conditions.