Advancements In Stage IV

There have been many recent advancements in the treatment of Stage IV breast cancer, and the following are some of the most cutting-edge treatments currently available in the United States:

  1. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors - These drugs, such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and atezolizumab (Tecentriq), help to activate the immune system to fight the cancer cells. They are used to treat certain subtypes of Stage IV breast cancer that have a high level of a protein called PD-L1.
  2. Targeted Therapies - These drugs, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), pertuzumab (Perjeta), and lapatinib (Tykerb), target specific proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. They are used to treat certain subtypes of Stage IV breast cancer that have specific genetic changes.
  3. Hormone Therapy - Hormone therapy is used to treat Stage IV breast cancer that is hormone receptor-positive. Drugs such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors work by blocking the effects of hormones that promote the growth of cancer cells.
  4. Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is a type of systemic therapy that circulates through the entire body to kill cancer cells. It is used to treat various stages of breast cancer, including Stage IV.
  5. Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be used to relieve symptoms in Stage IV breast cancer, such as pain, and to shrink tumors that are causing problems.
  6. Clinical Trials - Participating in a clinical trial is an option for some people with Stage IV breast cancer. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and can provide access to innovative treatments that may not be available elsewhere.

It's important to note that the best treatment plan for Stage IV breast cancer will vary depending on several factors, including the specific type and stage of the cancer, as well as the individual's overall health and personal preferences. Additionally, it's important to work closely with a medical team to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs.