Metastatic Breast Cancer

A diagnosis of metastatic disease is often accompanied by fear, uncertainty and difficulty with making treatment decisions. While we have no guaranteed cure for metastatic breast cancer, lots of women live many years, treating breast cancer as a chronic illness and responding variably to systemic therapies.

In addition to standard recommended treatments, experimental therapies are available through clinical trials.

Therapies under investigation for metastatic breast cancer include new chemotherapy drugs or older drugs combined with new hormonal therapies. There are also developments in prevention of further metastases (antiangiogenesis), vaccine research, alternative delivery systems for older chemotherapy agents and interruption of the genetic "turning on" of breast cancer development.

Each woman reacts differently to the diagnosis, but it is generally true that women need both information and emotional support and benefit greatly from advocacy on their behalf.

Metastatic breast cancer diagnosis and treatment

At the UCSF Breast Care Center, our team of doctors and health care providers will work with you individually to address your personal medical concerns and to design a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Read about treatment options for metastatic breast cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy.

Further information can be gathered at our Patient and Family Cancer Support Center or by talking with your doctor.

Support programs

UCSF Health offers many support and wellness services to help you manage the emotional and lifestyle challenges that you may face, including:

Breast cancer self-care

There are some principles of healthier living that, at the very least, help people to feel less ill. At their best, these principles may help improve your health, energy level and overall sense of well-being. The following articles from our Breast Cancer Self-Care and Recovery guide may be useful in finding healthy living strategies that work for you:

Clinical trials

Clinical trials are studies to test the effectiveness of experimental treatments, including drugs, types of intervention or combinations of therapies. If you are interested in obtaining more information on specific breast cancer clinical trials, visit the clinical trials sections of the following websites:

To search a database of National Cancer Institute-sponsored clinical trials nationwide, please visit CancerNet.

Note: Information here is presented as an educational service to doctors and patients. It should not be interpreted as providing medical advice or be used for the diagnosis or treatment of cancer or any other health problem. Enrollment in a clinical trial is based on satisfying eligibility criteria. Final determination for inclusion in a study is made solely at the discretion of the principal investigator.

Learn more about clinical trials and how they work.

Navigating Your Path to Breast Care:

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

Recommended reading

Basic Facts About Breast Health

Learn basic facts about breast health, including the development of breast cancer, its types and stages and guidelines from the American Cancer Society.

Breast Cancer Glossary

Check out our comprehensive Glossary of Breast Cancer terminology, which includes definitions of everything from AC chemotherapy to peripheral neuropathy.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Click now to find a summary of the factors that increase risk for developing breast cancer, including both factors that we cannot change and those we can.

Self-Care and Recovery

Self-Care and recovery resources including an Introduction to Lifestyle Change, Nutrition and Breast Cancer, Hydration: Water and Health, Meditation and more.

Follow-Up Care for Breast Cancer Patients

After patients have completed treatment for early stage breast cancer, one of the common questions is, "How should I best be monitored?" Learn more here.

Preparing for a Lumpectomy or Mastectomy

Learn how to prepare for a lumpectomy or mastectomy, including restrictions before surgery, what to bring to the hospital and more.

Menopause and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment often causes women to enter menopause prematurely. Although each woman reacts to therapy individually, certain side effects are common.

Metastatic Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that originated in the breast and has spread to other organ systems in the body. Learn more here.

Osteoporosis and Breast Cancer

Women who have had breast cancer or are considered at high risk for developing breast cancer are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Learn more.

Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer

The UCSF Carol Franc Buck Breast Care Center and the Department of Radiation Oncology have compiled information about radiation therapy for your convenience.

Taking Charge

Knowledge may lead you to take action to protect your health and that of other women you care about: your mother, daughters, relatives and friends. Learn more.

Related clinics

Breast Care Center

UCSF-Health John Muir Cancer Center in Berkeley

See all 6 of our Bay Area locations and learn more about the center.