Targeting Metastatic and Advanced Breast Cancer

Objectives

To review the chemotherapy and targeted biologic options for treatment of advanced and metastatic breast cancer.

Data Sources

Clinical and research articles and textbook chapters.

Conclusion

Recent clinical research has led to the use of novel targeted therapies in the management of locally advanced and metastatic breast cancer. Although metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, increases in disease-free and overall survival has been achieved.

Implications for Nursing Practice

Recent advances in the biological targeted therapies against Her2/neu, VEGF, and EGFR are now either approved therapies or are in the final stages of clinical testing. Oncology nurses can help decrease toxicities and maintain better QOL by fully understanding the mechanism of action of the drugs, expected side effects, and anticipated response to the novel regimen.

Key Words: Metastatic breast cancer, Targeted therapy, CNS metastases, HER-2/neu, EGFR