What advantage do hormonal therapies provide in breast cancer treatment?

Hormonal therapies in breast cancer treatment primarily work by targeting hormone receptors present on some breast cancer cells, such as estrogen and progesterone receptors. By inhibiting these hormone receptors, hormonal therapies can effectively slow down or even stop the growth of tumors that rely on these hormones for their proliferation. This targeted approach not only reduces tumor size but can also lead to a lower risk of recurrence.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of hormonal therapies in breast cancer. These therapies do not eradicate all cancer cells; rather, they focus on disrupting the hormonal signals that encourage cancer growth. They also do not primarily function to prevent metastasis, particularly to specific organs such as the brain. Additionally, while hormonal therapies can be part of a treatment plan, they are typically not used as sole therapy but rather in conjunction with other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, depending on the individual case and cancer characteristics.