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Hormonal therapy for metastatic ER+?

Page last modified on: February 19, 2009
Question from Robin: Are there any significant research developments for women with metastatic ER+ breast cancer with respect to hormonal therapy?
Answer —Nicholas Robert, M.D.: In terms of options for treatment in this group of patients, there's some exciting laboratory work suggesting that a drug called Faslodex (chemical name: fulvestrant), which eliminates the estrogen receptor when combined with certain aromatase inhibitors, may produce a better outcome. This approach will be evaluated in clinical trials to see if it's actually true. In addition, some women who have estrogen receptor-positive tumors may develop an enhanced response if a drug interacts with other targets such as HER1 and HER2. This again represents some strategies that will need to be evaluated in clinical trials. As you can see, there are a lot of good ideas. We have learned that you cannot clarify these good ideas with mice in the laboratory. It's important for women with breast cancer and their doctors and nurses to explore clinical trials and see if there's a trial that fits your situation. When you participate in a clinical trial you're not only getting a state-of-the-art treatment, but also personally contributing to the advancement in care of breast cancer—not only for yourself but also for others. In this way, you can directly make a difference.

On Wednesday, June 21, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2006 ASCO Annual Meeting. Nicholas Robert, M.D. and moderator Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. answered your questions about recent advances in breast cancer treatment, updates on breast cancer genetics, information on diet and risk of recurrence, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Nicholas Robert, M.D.Nicholas Robert, M.D. is a co-chair of the Breast Committee of the U.S. Oncology Research Network and also chairs the Cancer Committee and Research Committee of the Inova Fairfax Hospital's Cancer Center. 

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.

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