Metastatic breast cancer chemotherapy consists of many drugs, which are usually used as a single dose and not in combinations. This is primarily done to maximize the benefit and reduce the side effects. Metastatic breast cancer is the one, which has spread to organs other than the breast.

The prognosis of metastatic breast cancer is not very good. However, chemotherapy helps to increase the span and quality of life by delaying the growth and spread of cancer cells to some extent. Prolonging the sessions of first-line chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer delays the spread of the cancer and death. Although there are many chemotherapy drugs and chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer, they vary according to the stage of the breast cancer.

Drugs like anthracyclines- doxorubicin and epirubicin and the taxanes- paclitaxel and docetaxel are effective chemotherapeutic agents for the first-line and second-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer. However, if these drugs do not work then the treatment options are limited. The goal of chemotherapy in these patients is to control symptoms, prevent serious complications and increase survival without compromising on the quality of life. For patient who have already been treated with paclitaxel therapy, fluorouracil, docetaxel, vinorelbine and mitomycin c are used.

Drugs Used in Metastatic Breast Cancer Chemotherapy

Paclitaxel protein-bound suspension is more effective than Taxol. This has fewer side effects. This is administered intravenously for more than half an hour, every three weeks. The doctor determines the exact dosage of this drug based on your height and weight, blood counts and your response to the drug. The side effects of this drug are lowered white and red blood cell counts, nausea or vomiting, hair loss, fatigue, and mouth sores. This could also cause neuropathic symptoms in hands and feet like numbness, tingling, pins and needles, burning sensation, etc.

Gemcitabine is another drug used to treat metastatic breast cancer that is given intravenously over 30 minutes for once a week for two weeks and a break for one week.

Side effects of this drug are lowered white and red blood cell counts, low platelet counts, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and fever. This drug adversely affects the liver and kidneys. Hence, it is essential to have regular tests to make sure these organs are functioning properly.

Vinorelbine is administered intravenously. The side effects of vinolerbine chemotherapy include lowered white and red blood cell counts, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, constipation, diarrhea, hair loss and neuropathy. This drug interferes with certain other medications like antibiotics, antidepressants, blood pressure medications and anti-fungal drugs. Hence, it is essential to discuss the use of these drugs with your doctor while undergoing this treatment.

One of the popular oral drugs used for metastatic breast cancer is Xeloda. It is effective and long lasting and can be taken at home. Newer treatment approaches have worked well to reduce the painful symptoms. Supportive care has also improved a lot nowadays and hence the symptoms are also well controlled. A class of drugs known as bisphosphonates works well for metastatic cancer spread to bones. These drugs slow down the breakage of bones. There are pill forms of these drugs like fosamax and actonel and intravenous forms like aredia and zometa.

Although metastatic breast cancer chemotherapy helps to increase the survival, the fact is that it cannot be cured and it is ultimately going to take away the patient’s life possibly in less than a decade. However, due to advancements in clinical trials, many women are living normal lives with metastatic breast cancer. No one can guarantee life, although it is possible to be alive, in good condition and functioning well. It is possible that something new would be developed in the coming few years that would bring new hope to these patients.