Breast cancer (metastatic)

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Treatment Efficacy

Background:

• Metastatic breast cancer median survival is 12 months without treatment.
• Survival can extend up to 20 years in young patients, unlike other metastatic cancers.
• This highlights the need for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of first- and second-line hormonal treatments.
• To evaluate the impact of first- and second-line chemotherapy, alone or with monoclonal antibodies.
• To assess treatments for bone, spinal cord, and brain metastases.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic review of medical literature up to June 2006.
• Searched Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other databases.
• Included harms alerts from regulatory agencies like the FDA and MHRA.

Main Results:

• Identified 63 systematic reviews, RCTs, and observational studies meeting inclusion criteria.
• Synthesized data on a wide range of interventions for metastatic breast cancer.
• Provided evidence on the effectiveness and safety of numerous treatment options.

Conclusions:

• Presents information on the effectiveness and safety of diverse interventions.
• Includes hormonal therapies (tamoxifen, progestins, aromatase inhibitors), chemotherapy regimens (anthracycline-based, taxane-based), and targeted therapy (trastuzumab).
• Covers treatments for metastases, including bisphosphonates, radiotherapy, and surgery.