Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) can present with subtle symptoms or be confused with other conditions, so early detection is critical. MBC occurs when the disease spreads to other parts of the body. Knowing these hidden symptoms is critical for a prompt diagnosis. This article examines the most common signs of metastatic breast cancer and explains how Ibrance, a targeted therapy option, can help manage the disease.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Metastatic Breast Cancer
The symptoms of metastatic breast cancer can vary depending on the organ or tissue affected. Here are some key signs and symptoms associated with MBC:
Bone pain
Persistent pain in the bones, especially in the back, hips, or legs, may indicate that the cancer has spread to the bones.
Shortness of breath
Cancer that has spread to the lungs can cause difficulty breathing or a persistent cough.
Abdominal pain or swelling
If the cancer has spread to the liver, you may experience abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Headaches or nervous system changes
If the cancer affects the brain, symptoms may include headaches, vision problems, memory problems, or seizures.
Fatigue
Fatigue is common in metastatic cancer and is often a result of the cancer's effects on the body and ongoing treatment.
Swelling in the feet or legs (peripheral edema)
Swelling, especially in the feet or legs, can be caused by the cancer itself or by treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy. Swelling caused by cancer treatment is usually mild and often goes away after treatment (source: National Cancer Institute).
If these symptoms persist, it may be helpful to see a doctor, as early intervention can help metastatic breast cancer be treated more effectively.
Metastatic Breast Cancer May Be More Common Than You Think
Metastatic breast cancer affects a large portion of people diagnosed with breast cancer. Between 2001 and 2021, there will be an estimated 4,652,885 new cases of breast cancer in women in the United States, of which 260,379 (5.6%) will have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. The incidence of metastatic breast cancer has increased from 5.8 cases per 100,000 women in 2001 to 7.9 cases per 100,000 women in 2021 (Source: CDC).
In the United States, approximately one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and approximately one-third of these cases eventually develop metastasis. There are also disparities in outcomes, with African American women 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women (Source: Metavivor).
Ibrance for Metastatic Breast Cancer
Ibrance (palbociclib) is an FDA-approved targeted therapy for certain cases of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). It works by inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) 4 and 6, proteins that promote cell division and cancer growth. By slowing or stopping cancer cell division, Ibrance helps control disease progression, particularly in hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-negative breast cancers. It is often used in combination with hormone therapy, such as letrozole or fulvestrant, for postmenopausal women and certain men with advanced MBC (Source: Ibrance).
Per:
Ibrance is designed to target key signaling pathways that affect cancer cell growth, offering a more precise treatment option. Clinical studies have shown that Ibrance combined with hormone therapy can significantly slow disease progression compared to hormone therapy alone. The combination may also help improve quality of life by reducing the need for more aggressive treatments earlier in the disease (Source: Ibrance).
Cons:
Like most treatments, Ibrance may not work equally well for all patients, so side effects should be considered. Common side effects include low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), which can increase the risk of infection, as well as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. Rare but serious risks include serious infection or blood clots that require close monitoring by a healthcare provider (Source: Ibrance).
Overall, Ibrance represents a major advance in targeted therapy for metastatic breast cancer, especially for HR+, HER2-negative cases. It offers a tailored approach to slow disease progression while potentially minimizing the need for more invasive treatments. Consulting with a physician is essential to assessing whether Ibrance is the right choice and managing any associated risks (Source: Ibrance).
