Targeted Therapies: Treatment Options for Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Rachel Richards1, Elizabeth Keating1, Jean E Boucher1
1University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
|July 20, 2019
Summary
Targeted therapies are expanding for metastatic breast cancer (BC) beyond standard hormone treatments. This review covers new nonhormonal options, administration, side effects, and nursing care for advanced BC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Standard treatments for hormone-sensitive metastatic breast cancer (BC) involve blocking estrogen pathways.
- Emerging nonhormonal targeted therapies offer new avenues for advanced or metastatic BC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current targeted therapy options for metastatic breast cancer.
- To discuss administration strategies, potential side effects, and nursing considerations for these advanced treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of targeted therapies for metastatic breast cancer.
- Analysis of treatment strategies, side effect profiles, and nursing implications.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies are increasingly used alongside or as alternatives to endocrine therapy for metastatic BC.
- A range of targeted agents acting on various molecular pathways are available.
- Understanding administration, side effects, and nursing care is crucial for effective management.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in managing metastatic breast cancer.
- Personalized treatment approaches incorporating targeted agents are becoming standard.
- Comprehensive patient management requires attention to administration, side effects, and specialized nursing care.
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