[Therapeutic management of patients with metastasized breast carcinoma]

In patients with metastasized breast cancer cure is beyond our therapeutic reach at present. In this situation the main treatment objectives are to improve existing or imminently threatening symptoms caused by the tumor growth, to retain or restore physical ability for as long as possible and, if possible, to prolong survival time. To achieve these treatment aims diphosphonates, hormones and cytotoxic mono- or polychemotherapy can be administered. The individualized administration of these drugs, adapted to the rate of the spread of metastases and tumor-induced symptoms, help to attain long survival without pronounced toxic side effects.