Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treatment has seen remarkable progress in the last decade, particularly in the last five years, with the FDA approving several new therapies that extend lives and improve the quality of life for patients. These advancements include immunotherapies, CDK4/6 inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates, marking a significant shift in the treatment landscape.
Remarkable Progress in Treatment Options
According to Dr. Joseph Sparano, a BCRF investigator, the impact of these new drugs has been truly remarkable. "For my first 20 years in the field, we saw a lot of drugs that made a tumor shrink a little bit and slightly prolonged disease control. It’s only been within the last five years that we’ve seen this explosion of drugs that can actually improve survival."
Antibody-drug conjugates, for example, have been associated with fewer side effects compared to systemic therapies like chemotherapy, offering patients a better quality of life. Amanda Quick, a member of the Board of Directors of the Pink Agenda who has been living with MBC since 2021, notes that new options were available to her when she needed them. "It’s absolutely remarkable to think that when I was diagnosed in 2021, there were drugs that were not yet FDA approved but that I have had the benefit of using," she said, emphasizing the rapid advancements in research and treatment.
Clinical Trials Driving Change
Clinical trials have played a crucial role in these advancements. Dr. Sparano highlighted that clinical trials can lead to dramatic changes in therapy. One such example is the RIGHT Choice trial, which found that for certain patients with aggressive hormone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, a CDK4/6 inhibitor plus endocrine therapy is more effective than chemotherapy.
Addressing the Invisible Disease
Amanda Quick also emphasized the importance of focusing on the quality of life for MBC patients. "We don’t want to be just living with metastatic breast cancer, but thriving and having a life, too," she said. However, she also noted the challenge of living with an invisible illness, where the side effects and struggles are not always apparent to others. This invisibility underscores the need for a shift in the narrative around MBC, acknowledging that patients are working, traveling, and engaging in daily life while managing their condition.
Navigating MBC can be likened to riding a surfboard, with ups and downs, good moments, and tougher ones. The key is to enjoy the good moments and know that you’re going to get through some of the tougher ones, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required in managing this disease.
