Are new treatments effective for metastatic breast cancer after surgery?
Yes, new treatments for metastatic breast cancer have shown significant effectiveness in extending life and improving quality of life. Researchers have developed therapies that continue to improve life expectancy and prevent further spread of the Show Full Answer
Are new treatments effective for metastatic breast cancer after surgery?
Yes, new treatments for metastatic breast cancer have shown significant effectiveness in extending life and improving quality of life. Researchers have developed therapies that continue to improve life expectancy and prevent further spread of the disease.
Key improvements with newer treatments include:
- Slowing cancer progression and extending progression-free survival
- Some metastatic breast cancer cases now go into complete remission, where all signs and symptoms disappear
- Better survival rates - about 33% of women with metastatic breast cancer live five or more years after diagnosis, and some can now live 10 or more years
- Safer options with fewer side effects compared to older treatments
Types of effective new treatments:
- Targeted therapies that attack specific gene mutations
- Immunotherapy that helps your immune system fight cancer cells
- New hormone-blocking therapies
- Antibody-drug conjugates
- PARP inhibitors for those with BRCA gene changes
Your treatment plan will depend on your specific type of breast cancer and where it has spread. It's important to have ongoing conversations with your oncology team about which options might work best for you, as treatments can be adjusted if one stops being effective.
April 13
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