Lung Manifestation of Advanced Breast Cancer: Signs, Prognosis, and Further Details
In the fight against breast cancer, metastatic disease, particularly when it affects the lungs, poses a significant challenge. This advanced stage of the disease, which occurs when cancer cells spread beyond the original area, is not curable but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow its progression.
Research suggests that the lung environment can be favourable to the spread of cancer, making it crucial to target medications that change a person's pulmonary environment during treatment, potentially reducing the chance of lung metastasis [1].
When it comes to treating metastatic breast cancer in the lungs, a combination of systemic therapies and local treatments is typically employed. Systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, target cancer cells throughout the body [2]. Chemotherapy, for instance, targets rapidly dividing cancer cells, while hormonal therapy is used if the cancer is hormone receptor-positive, helping to slow its growth. Targeted therapies, like trastuzumab and pertuzumab, specifically target HER2-positive breast cancer cells. Immunotherapy boosts the immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells.
Local treatments, on the other hand, are often used to relieve symptoms or target specific areas of cancer spread. Radiation therapy, for example, can be used to control symptoms like pain or difficulty breathing, or to target specific areas of cancer in the lungs [2]. Surgery may be considered in specific situations, but it's rarely used for metastatic disease due to its limited effectiveness.
In addition to these primary treatment options, other strategies are employed. Clinical trials provide access to new and experimental treatments that may offer better outcomes. Combination therapies, which involve using multiple therapies, can help maximise effectiveness and minimise side effects [2].
Early diagnosis and immediate treatment can help reduce the risk of metastasis. Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer in the lungs may include a constant cough, pain in the lung, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue, recurring infections in the chest, coughing up blood, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss [2]. If a tumor is found, a doctor may order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis, including testing a mucus sample, bronchoscopy, or needle biopsy of the lung [2].
It's important to note that decisions about treatment are highly individualised, taking into account the patient's overall health, cancer type, and previous treatments [2]. Approximately 60% of all metastatic breast cancer patients progress to the lungs or the bones within their lifetime [4]. People who have received treatment in the past should monitor themselves for any signs or symptoms that could indicate cancer recurrence.
Metastatic breast cancer in the lungs can cause other health complications, such as toxicity due to treatment and psychological impact. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove cancerous tissue from the lungs or to drain excess fluid caused by a malignant pleural effusion [2].
The 5-year survival rate for women with metastatic breast cancer in the lungs is 30% [3]. While this is a challenging prognosis, advancements in treatment and research continue to offer hope for those affected by this disease.
[1] There is some research suggesting that lung metastasis can occur due to a lung environment that is favorable to the spread of cancer. Targeting medications to change a person's pulmonary environment during treatment may be able to reduce the chance of lung metastasis. [2] Treatments for metastatic breast cancer in the lungs usually involve systemic medications such as chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. Local treatments like radiation therapy and surgery may also be used. Clinical trials and combination therapies are additional strategies employed. [3] The 5-year survival rate for women with metastatic breast cancer in the lungs is 30%. [4] Approximately 60% of all metastatic breast cancer patients progress to the lungs or the bones within their lifetime.
- Research indicates that a lung environment can be suitable for cancer spread, implying the significance of targeting medications during treatment that may alter a person's pulmonary environment, potentially minimizing the risk of lung metastasis.
- In treating metastatic breast cancer affecting the lungs, a mix of systemic therapies like chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy are often employed, while local treatments such as radiation therapy and surgery may also be utilized.
- Clinical trials grant access to new and experimental treatments with the potential for better outcomes, and combination therapies combining multiple therapies can help maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.
- Early diagnosis and immediate treatment can lessen the risk of metastasis, and symptoms of metastatic breast cancer in the lungs may include a constant cough, pain in the lung, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue, recurring infections in the chest, coughing up blood, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss. If a tumor is found, additional tests might be required to confirm the diagnosis, like testing a mucus sample, bronchoscopy, or needle biopsy of the lung.
