Metastatic Breast Cancer: The Individualization of Therapy

The goals of breast cancer therapy are to reduce the risk of disease recurrence, minimize toxicity, and improve overall survival. Recent advances in research of the biology of breast cancer tumors have resulted in more targeted therapies. The therapies can increase survival and help maintain the quantity and quality of life for patients with metastatic breast cancer. The targeted therapies for breast cancers that are HER2 positive are presented, including the indications and expected benefits for patients and implications for nurses involved in the care of such patients. Emerging research in triple-negative breast cancer also is discussed.