Which class of drugs is often used to treat metastatic breast cancer?

Hormonal therapies are a cornerstone in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, particularly for tumors that are hormone receptor-positive. These therapies work by blocking or lowering the levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, which can promote the growth of hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells. In cases where the breast cancer expresses hormone receptors, hormonal therapies can be highly effective in slowing progression, improving survival rates, and providing patients with a better quality of life.

In the context of treatment strategies, while chemotherapy agents can also be utilized in metastatic breast cancer, particularly for aggressive or triple-negative cancers, hormonal therapies specifically target the hormonal aspect of certain breast tumors. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy may also play significant roles in treating various subtypes of breast cancer, but hormonal therapies remain a key choice for hormone-positive cancers. Thus, the identification of the tumor's hormonal receptor status is essential in determining the most appropriate treatment approach for metastatic breast cancer.