INTRODUCTION

Although metastatic breast cancer is unlikely to be cured, meaningful improvements in survival have been seen, coincident with the introduction of newer systemic therapies [1-3]. Median overall survival approaches two years, with a range from a few months to many years [4].

The selection of a therapeutic strategy depends upon both tumor biology and clinical factors, with the goal being a tailored approach. Although a subset of patients with oligometastatic disease may benefit from an intensified locoregional approach, most patients with metastatic breast cancer receive systemic medical therapy, consisting of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and/or biologic therapies, and supportive care measures [5,6].

General principles of management of metastatic breast cancer are presented here. Details of single agent and combination chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, biologic therapy, and how to select among them, as well as locoregional approaches, osteoclast inhibitors (bisphosphonates and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B [RANK] ligand inhibitors), and supportive care, are discussed separately.

• (See "Treatment approach to metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: Endocrine therapy".)
• (See "Systemic treatment for metastatic breast cancer: Single agent chemotherapy".)
• (See "Systemic treatment for metastatic breast cancer: Combination chemotherapy".)
• (See "Systemic treatment for metastatic breast cancer: Molecular targeted therapy".)
• (See "Systemic treatment for metastatic breast cancer: Selection of chemotherapy regimen".)
• (See "Metastatic breast cancer: Local treatment".)
• (See "Treatment of metastatic breast cancer in older women".)
• (See "Osteoclast inhibition in the management of bone metastases from breast cancer".)

THERAPEUTIC GOALS

The primary goals of systemic treatment for metastatic breast cancer are prolongation of survival, alleviation of symptoms, and maintenance or improvement in quality of life, despite the toxicity associated with treatment [7-9]. The median survival for metastatic breast cancer is 18 to 24 months, though this varies widely based on subtype of tumor, sites of metastatic involvement, and burden of metastatic disease, and some patients experience long-term survival [1-4,10].