Hope Through Research and Advancements in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Ongoing research and treatment advances are providing hope and improving outcomes in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Dr. Wade Smith, a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer at City of Hope in California, discussed the role of research, personalized care and new treatment options for patients during a session of CURE® Educated Patient® Updates in Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Understanding Hormone Receptor-Positive, HER2-Negative Disease

One of the most common forms of metastatic breast cancer is hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, Smith said. This subtype is characterized by the presence of hormone receptors (like estrogen or progesterone receptors) on the cancer cells, but without an overexpression of the HER2 protein.

“The paradigm of treating metastatic breast cancer has changed, and it’s changed because of all the treatment options we have," Smith explained. "We really talk about this as more of a chronic condition — a condition that a patient lives with. … They will require some form of maintenance therapy, most likely for the rest of their life, but certainly they live life, they remain engaged."

This shift in perspective is crucial and can be empowering for patients. While a cure for most metastatic breast cancers is not yet within reach, advancements in treatment mean that patients can manage their condition effectively, maintaining a good quality of life. He encouraged patients to communicate this understanding to their friends and family, helping to reduce the stigma and fear often associated with a metastatic diagnosis.

The first line of treatment for hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer typically involves hormone therapy, which helps to block the cancer's ability to use hormones like estrogen to grow. For many patients, this can be an effective initial treatment that helps control the cancer for a significant period.

However, Smith acknowledged that not all patients respond the same way to hormone therapy, and over time, the cancer might develop resistance. This is why ongoing monitoring and regular communication with the healthcare team are critical. If the cancer progresses, there are additional treatment options to consider.

Understanding disease progression and exploring additional treatment options are vital for managing metastatic breast cancer in the long-term. Smith emphasized the importance of knowing whether a cancer has an actionable mutation, which could make it eligible for targeted therapies beyond conventional chemotherapy.

Biomarker Testing

Biomarker testing is a tool that can help guide treatment decisions for patients with metastatic breast cancer. Biomarkers are specific genes or proteins in the cancer cells that can influence how the cancer behaves and responds to treatment.

"Biomarker testing is useful to show what treatment is most likely to work for your cancer," Smith said. “Some drugs are only effective for people with certain cancer biomarkers.”

By identifying these biomarkers through either a blood test (liquid biopsy) or a tissue biopsy, oncologists can tailor treatments to target specific mutations, improving outcomes for patients.

For instance, Smith highlighted the role of HER2 in breast cancer. While traditionally, HER2-negative cancers were not treated with HER2-targeted therapies, recent research has identified a subgroup of patients with HER2-low expression who can benefit from these treatments.

"This is probably the biggest breakthrough we've seen in the last two years in breast cancer," he noted. The ability to target HER2-low cancers with newer therapies is a game-changer, offering more options to patients who previously had limited choices.

For patients with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer, this advancement opens the door to new treatment possibilities that were previously unavailable.

Hope Through Research and Collaboration

Through advancements in research and personalized care, there are now more options than ever before to manage the disease and maintain a good quality of life. By staying informed and actively participating in their care, patients can find strength and empowerment.

While metastatic breast cancer remains a serious condition, ongoing research and a collaborative approach to care are making a difference.

“We’re working tirelessly to make an impact on [metastatic breast cancer], but we know we cannot do it alone," Shannon Abeyta, executive director for Susan G. Komen in Orange County, said during the event. “It does take all of us working as a community and to create this world without metastatic breast cancer.”

By participating in research initiatives and staying informed about the latest treatment options, patients and their families can find hope and empowerment when faced with a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer.

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