Common Signs of Metastatic Breast Cancer & Available Treatments

Common Signs and Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer

The list of symptoms of metastatic breast cancer can vary based on the organs or tissues affected. Here are some of the primary signs and symptoms associated with MBC:

Bone Pain
Persistent pain in bones, especially in the back, hips, or legs, may indicate cancer spread to the bones.

Shortness of Breath
Cancer that has metastasized to the lungs may cause breathing difficulties or a persistent cough.

Abdominal Pain or Swelling
Pain or swelling in the abdomen, nausea, and loss of appetite can occur when cancer spreads to the liver.

Headaches or Neurological Changes
If the cancer affects the brain, symptoms may include headaches, vision changes, memory issues, or seizures.

Fatigue
Fatigue is common in metastatic cancer, often resulting from the cancer’s impact on the body and ongoing treatment.

Other potential symptoms include numbness or weakness anywhere in your body, confusion, loss of balance, a lingering cough or shortness of breath may point to the lungs; headaches, vision changes, or weakness can suggest brain metastases; and abdominal discomfort or jaundice may reflect liver spread. (Breastcancer.org)

Metastatic Breast Cancer May Be More Common Than You Think

Metastatic breast cancer impacts a notable portion of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Between 2001 and 2021, there were approximately 4,652,885 new cases of female breast cancer in the United States, of which 260,379 (5.6%) were metastatic at the time of diagnosis. The incidence of metastatic breast cancer increased from 5.8 per 100,000 women in 2001 to 7.9 per 100,000 in 2021 (Source: CDC).

In the United States, about 1 in 8 women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis, and roughly 1 in 3 of these cases will eventually become metastatic. Disparities in outcomes are also observed, with African American women being 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than Caucasian women (Source: Metavivor).

Available Treatment Options for Metastatic Breast Cancer

While metastatic breast cancer is currently incurable, various treatments are available to help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Here are several commonly prescribed medications for MBC:

Ibrance (Palbociclib)
Ibrance is a targeted therapy known as a CDK4/6 inhibitor, which works by blocking enzymes involved in cell division, slowing cancer cell growth. It is often prescribed alongside hormone therapy for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.

Pros: Specifically targets HR+ and HER2-negative cancers, potentially improving progression-free survival.

Cons: Side effects may include fatigue and a decrease in white blood cells, which can increase infection risk.

Verzenio (Abemaciclib)
Verzenio is another CDK4/6 inhibitor that works similarly to Ibrance, slowing cancer cell growth by blocking proteins involved in cell division. It can be used alone or with hormone therapy for HR+ and HER2-negative MBC.

Pros: Effective in combination with hormone therapy, particularly for HR+ and HER2-negative MBC, and may delay disease progression.

Cons: Side effects may include diarrhea, fatigue, and low white blood cell counts.

Kisqali (Ribociclib)
Kisqali is also a CDK4/6 inhibitor and is frequently prescribed alongside hormone therapy for HR+ and HER2-negative MBC. It blocks proteins that promote cancer cell growth.

Pros: Can extend progression-free survival and improve quality of life in HR+ and HER2-negative patients.

Cons: Side effects can include nausea, liver enzyme elevation, and fatigue, necessitating regular monitoring.

Nerlynx (Neratinib)
Nerlynx is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for HER2-positive breast cancer. It targets the HER2 protein to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, making it suitable for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Pros: Offers a targeted approach for HER2-positive MBC and may enhance outcomes when combined with other treatments.

Cons: Possible side effects include diarrhea and fatigue; supportive care may be required.

Conclusion

Metastatic breast cancer presents unique challenges, and while it remains a chronic condition, various treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Recognizing the symptoms early and consulting healthcare professionals can improve the quality of life and open opportunities for tailored treatment. By staying informed about the available treatment options, those affected by MBC can actively participate in managing their condition and maintaining their well-being.

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