The World Health Organization states that more than 2.3 million cases of breast cancer occur each year, which makes it the most prevalent cancer among adults. A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, where the tumour has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes, can be daunting physically and mentally.
While conventional therapies affect both cancer and healthy cells, targeted therapy works precisely by specifically targeting cancer cells. This selective approach aims to slow tumour progression while minimising damage to healthy tissues, directing precision and great hope for better results.
Let’s have a look at how recent advances in the therapeutic management of metastatic breast cancer have been evolving, giving great hope and improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with this devastating disease.
What is metastatic breast cancer?
Metastatic or Stage IV breast cancer means that the cancer has spread to other organs such as breasts and associated lymph nodes, or it may be spread to bones, liver, lungs, or the brain. The disease is not curable at this stage, but the available treatment will at least contain further growth of the tumour and improve a person's general well-being. The treatment options for advanced breast cancer have been evolving, such as targeted therapy emerging as a ray of hope.
What are the signs and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer?
Symptoms may differ based on where the cancer has been spread. Some common areas include bones, liver and the lungs. In rare cases, including human epidermal growth factor receptor two genes (HER2 - positive) and triple-negative, breast cancer can also spread to the brain. Some symptoms include
Persistent pain in the neck or back that is not due to any injury
Visual disturbances
Mood changes
Seizures
Difficulty in speech
Headache
Unusual tiredness
Shortness of breath
What is targeted therapy for metastatic breast cancer?
Unlike traditional treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, targeted therapy acts specifically on the cancerous cells of a patient. Targeted therapy specifically targets vital processes in cancer cells, not all rapidly dividing cells (normal and healthy), as the traditional methods. This could reduce the side effects.
The therapy focuses on individual proteins or genes responsible for the growth and spread of tumour cells. Your healthcare professionals can also modify these treatments to make them more effective in the specific cancer of the patient.
What are the benefits of targeted therapy?
The key benefit of targeted therapy is that it attacks only cancer cells, not healthy ones. This high level of accuracy allows for a personalised approach. Since specific genetic mutations and molecular changes cause every patient's particular cancer, healthcare providers can now identify the right treatment with significantly improved response rates while obtaining fewer side effects compared to conventional therapies.
In metastatic breast cancer, this personalised strategy could be beneficial in ensuring disease control. The treatment with Paleno 75mg Capsule containing the active ingredient Palbociclib will not only aim to slow down the growth of cancer but also help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
What are the disadvantages of targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy has certain disadvantages associated with the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. This includes the development of resistance; cancer cells can easily become resistant to the targeted therapies. Also, targeted therapies are expensive, contributing to a financial burden for patients and healthcare systems.
Some targeted therapies may also have side effects, such as skin reactions, heart problems, or gastrointestinal disturbances. While most are not as severe as those of chemotherapy, they can also interfere with a patient’s quality of life.
Wrapping up
We stand on the threshold of a new world in metastatic breast cancer-fighting. These breakthroughs are about more than medical prowess and technical achievement; they represent an eternal ray of hope that we can push our bounds farther with every new dawn. Moving forward, it is a tough road ahead—and yet with each small step we take together now, maybe the real message from us today is that by sticking to this long game plan, scratches of light will break through, animating our aspirations.