About metastatic breast cancer
Metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of cancer. By definition, it is cancer that has broken away from the original (primary) tumor. It entered the bloodstream or lymphatic system, and spread to organs outside the original tumor site. This is known as stage IV cancer. The most common areas where breast cancer may spread are the bones, lungs, liver, and brain.21,22
Most patients develop metastatic breast cancer after their initial treatment has failed and cancer has returned. Less than 10% of patients with breast cancer have an initial diagnosis of metastatic disease.22
No matter where the cancer may spread in your body, it is still breast cancer. This means that even if your cancer has spread to your lungs or bones, it is not considered lung cancer or bone cancer. The most effective treatment is breast cancer treatment, not treatment for lung or bone cancer.21
Learn about the symptoms and diagnosis of metastatic (or advanced) breast cancer.
Find more information about breast cancer here.
Treatment options for metastatic breast cancer
Currently, there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer. But it can be treated. Some patients with metastatic breast cancer live well for many years.22 And researchers are constantly developing new breast cancer treatment options, like TYKERB.
The two main goals of metastatic breast cancer treatment are to:
- Keep the cancer from getting worse for as long as possible
- Maintain a good quality of life
Your oncologist will work with you to select the best treatment option. Factors to consider include the specifics of your cancer, such as HER2 status, and your personal priorities and situation.
The most common treatments for metastatic breast cancer are hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, including targeted therapy.
Check out GlaxoSmithKline's Tykerb® CARES support program to help patients and the healthcare providers who treat them.
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Indication
TYKERB is indicated in combination with Xeloda® (capecitabine) for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose tumors overexpress HER2 and who have received prior therapy including an anthracycline, a taxane, and Herceptin® (trastuzumab).
Important Safety Information
Before taking TYKERB, tell your doctor if you have heart problems. As with other treatments for HER2-positive advanced or metastatic breast cancer, there have been reports of changes in how the heart pumps blood through the body and how the heart beats. Call your doctor right away if you are short of breath, have rapid heartbeats (palpitations), or feel very tired.
Tell your doctor if you have liver problems. People who have liver problems may not be able to process TYKERB well, so you may need a lower dose of TYKERB.
Some people taking TYKERB have reported diarrhea. In some cases, diarrhea can be severe. Call your doctor right away if you have diarrhea. It is important to manage diarrhea with medicine as soon as it begins. Severe diarrhea may need to be treated with electrolytes and fluids given by mouth or by vein. Treatment with TYKERB may have to be delayed for a while or stopped completely.
If you have a dry cough or have shortness of breath, talk with your doctor. These may be signs of inflammation in the lungs.
Women should not become pregnant when taking TYKERB because the unborn baby may be harmed.
The most common side effects reported by patients taking TYKERB and Xeloda were diarrhea; vomiting; feeling sick to your stomach (nausea); feeling tired; red, painful hands and feet; and rash.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines and herbal and dietary supplements.
Because TYKERB is currently indicated to be taken with another medicine called Xeloda, be sure to talk with your doctor about any medicines and supplements that should be avoided when taking Xeloda.
Please see complete US Prescribing Information for TYKERB.
Herceptin is a registered trademark of Genentech, Inc.
Xeloda is a registered trademark of Roche Laboratories Inc.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only.