Metastatic breast cancer is that stage of cancer where the cancer cells have spread from the breast to the lungs, and/or to the other parts of the body. Sadly, metastatic breast cancer is often fatal with very limited treatment options. Hence, the main aim of treatment for metastatic breast cancer is to control the multiplication of these cancer cells. A person in whom the breast cancer has metastasized to the pleura or the lung complains of chronic cough, chest pain and dyspnea. In some patients there are no symptoms observed. Hence, the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer usually involves a chest X-ray. When this X-ray shows abnormal results then the patient is further told to go for MRI, PET and CT scans for confirmation. After this, the methods of treatment for breast cancer are discussed.

Treatment for metastatic breast cancer generally includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormone treatment. Other options of treatment are being researched to find the most effective method of treatment for metastatic cancer. Below we discuss the commonly used treatment methods.

Hormonal Treatment for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Hormonal treatment for metastatic breast cancer is usually given to women with estrogen receptor positive cancer cells, to lessen the estrogen levels that allow the cancer cells to grow inside the woman’s body. This option of treatment for cancer is found to be effective only in women. Arimidex or Tamoxifen are mostly given to the patients in this case. In cases patients have HER2 positive breast cancer, a monoclonal antibody, herceptin is given to the patients. This antibody also increases the chances of the women to survive for a longer time.

Chemotherapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Though aggressive, chemotherapy for the treatment for metastatic breast cancer is effective and is usually recommended option of treatment by most of the doctors. It involves a combination of high doses of different drugs. Among these combinations, Xeloda is mostly prescribed by the cancer specialists. Xeloda can also be given in the pill form, but this depends on the nature of the cancer cells present in the patient’s body. There are many side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer, but most of them can be managed by taking medicines that are prescribes by your oncologist.

Surgery for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Surgery is rarely opted option of treatment for metastatic breast cancer, as in this stage the cancer cells have spread out of the breast, maybe to the lungs or the pluera. It is mostly done to ease the symptoms or to remove the primary cancerous cells.

Radiation Treatment for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Beams of high energy photons or protons are used to shrink or kill cancerous cells in the radiation treatment of breast cancer. This method can also be used to hinder the growth of the cancer cells in the metastatic stage, so that they do not spread to other parts of the body. It is mostly given for the relief of the bone or chest pain and other symptoms.

Bisphosphonate Drugs for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Bisphosphonate drugs also help to reduce bone pain that is caused in this stage. Hence, these drugs are given when the cancer cells have spread to the bones of the patient’s body.

Though metastatic breast cancer is found to be fatal, there are options for its treatment. Some methods have even proven to be effective in its treatment. Also, some cases have been found where the patient has enjoyed a prolonged life, despite suffering from metastatic breast cancer.

Note: The treatments suggested above should be followed under the supervision of a doctor.