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Any other medications for metastases?

Page last modified on: November 20, 2008
Question from Yaffa: I'm now being treated with Avastin and Xeloda for a fourth recurrence of metastatic breast cancer. What other drugs for metastatic breast cancer are coming down the pipeline?
Answers —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: There's more research being done on other targeted therapies that, combined with drugs like Avastin (chemical name: bevacizumab), may provide additional benefit even after drugs like Avastin stop working. There was a long session at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium about this class of drugs, and this was probably the most exciting part of the symposium. These drugs work by shutting off the blood supply to the cancer cells. We are learning more about how the cancer cells learn to grow and become resistant in people on Avastin. Cancer cells are sneaky, but we're getting smarter! In your case, you and your doctor will choose your next medications based on your previous medications that have worked, so it's hard to say exactly what's next.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: Researchers are studying medications that work in many different ways simultaneously. We expect to learn more about these new directions sooner than later. At the next big meeting of ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology), we expect some of those new results to be presented. Stay tuned.

On Wednesday, December 20, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2006. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about the newest research on breast cancer treatment, side effects, 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

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.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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