Treatment for HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer depends on factors like hormone receptor status, with chemo/immunotherapy for PD-L1-positive triple negative disease, PARP inhibitors for BRCA mutations, and antibody-drug conjugates as options after first line therapy.
Patients on HER2-targeted therapies for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer should be vigilant about potential side effects like heart toxicities and interstitial lung disease and should undergo regular heart function monitoring and lung scans to catch these side effects early.
Treatment for HER2 low metastatic breast cancer may utilize HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugates like T-DM1 and sacituzumab govitecan after initial therapy; knowing HER2 status, even low expression, is critical to guide use of these HER2-directed ADCs after chemotherapy.
Patients with metastatic breast cancer receiving HER2-targeted therapies should promptly report any respiratory symptoms or signs of lung and heart disease to their oncology care team to facilitate early intervention and management of side effects.
Clinical trials should be considered at any point in a patient's journey with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, not just when standard options are exhausted, as they provide early access to promising therapies, novel combinations, and cutting-edge care.