a cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor.
After resistance develops to the available hormonal and targeted therapy options, patients transition to treatment with chemotherapy. Studies have demonstrated equivalent overall survival for sequential single-agent versus combination chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer, with less toxicity and improved patient quality of life on single agents.
HER2-positive breast cancer is often treated with an initial combination of chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapies.
When hormone receptor expression and HER2 markers are negative, this is known as triple-negative breast cancer. Metastatic triple-negative breast cancer is often treated with a range of chemotherapy agents and immunotherapy.
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Metastatic breast cancer survival rate
Median overall survival for metastatic breast cancer varies by subtype and ranges from two to five years. Hormone receptor-positive cancers often have the best prognosis.
Additionally, factors such as the presence of visceral metastases (soft tissue lesions), brain metastases and multiple metastatic sites all confer worse prognosis, whereas a better performance status, younger age at diagnosis, bone-only metastatic disease, and longer disease-free interval between initial diagnosis and development of metastatic recurrence all improve prognosis.
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Advances in metastatic breast cancer
Due to advances in clinical trials and the discovery of new treatments, the prognosis for metastatic breast cancer continues to improve, although there is no cure. Continued research and advocacy will undoubtedly continue to advance how doctors can better support patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
Living with metastatic breast cancer can be challenging, but your doctor can help you determine the best method of treatment to improve your overall prognosis.