All articles tagged with #metastatic breast cancer
The FDA has approved Eli Lilly's Inluriyo (imlunestrant), an oral treatment for adults with ER+, HER2-, ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer, based on its ability to significantly improve progression-free survival in clinical trials, offering a new oral option for this patient group.
Metastatic breast cancer patients like Elizabeth Levene are benefiting from advances in treatments such as antibody infusion therapy, which targets cancer cells and delivers chemotherapy directly to them. While metastatic breast cancer often leads to a shorter life expectancy, individualized treatment plans can extend patients' lives. Despite facing mobility issues and having to leave her job, Levene's perseverance serves as motivation for other patients, as she celebrates six years since her diagnosis and cherishes every moment with her family.
Actress Shannen Doherty, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, has revealed that the cancer has now spread to her bones. Despite the unfortunate news, Doherty remains optimistic and hopes to join new clinical trials as they’re developed. She emphasizes that she is not done with living, creating, and changing things for the better. Doherty's announcement coincided with the launch of her new podcast, where she plans to have honest conversations about her cancer journey with influential people in her life. She also challenges the misconception that stage 4 cancer means being unable to work or live a vibrant life.
The number of women living with stage 4 breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, is increasing due to advancements in treatment. While the disease is still considered incurable, improved understanding of cancer biology has led to the development of targeted therapies and more effective endocrine treatments. Survival rates have also improved, with about 30% of women living with advanced-stage breast cancer for five years or more. However, outcomes vary depending on factors such as the subtype of breast cancer, the site of metastasis, and race/ethnicity. More work is needed to further improve outcomes for all patients.
Rhonda Howell, a woman from Zebulon, lost her battle with metastatic breast cancer but left a lasting impact by advocating for increased funding for research. Her efforts led to a collaboration between Duke and UNC researchers, aiming to advance metastatic breast cancer research. The initiative focuses on personalized vaccines and immune system activation to eradicate the disease. Howell's legacy will be imprinted on future grants in the Triangle area, and she raised $375,000 for metastatic breast cancer research through charity galas.
Tina Deeg, an Appleton woman diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, was able to enjoy her wedding day thanks to a groundbreaking clinical trial at U.W. Health's Carbone Cancer Center. Through immunotherapy and a targeted estrogen blocker, Tina has had a tremendous response with the tumor shrinking. Despite a scare during the trial, testing revealed that the swelling was due to cancer cell death. Tina encourages others to advocate for themselves when it comes to treatment options.
Elizabeth Wilson, a Canadian mother who shared her battle with metastatic breast cancer on social media, has passed away at the age of 39. Wilson had been documenting her journey on Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter since late 2020, gaining tens of thousands of followers. After being diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2018, she later discovered she had stage four metastatic breast cancer. Despite her efforts to raise awareness and funds for her treatment, Wilson tragically lost her battle with the disease. Her husband announced her passing on social media, prompting an outpouring of sympathy and support from people around the world.
Elizabeth Wilson, known as Libby Joan on social media, has passed away at the age of 39 after sharing her battle with metastatic breast cancer on platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. Wilson was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2018, and a year later, it had progressed to stage four. Despite her efforts to raise awareness and funds for her treatment, she ultimately succumbed to the disease. Her husband announced her passing on social media, prompting an outpouring of sympathy and support from her followers. Wilson had also advocated for breast self-exams to be included in the curriculum and had started a GoFundMe to cover her treatment expenses.