Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other organs, most often to the bones, lungs, liver or brain. It’s also called stage IV or advanced breast cancer. Most often, metastatic breast cancer arises years after a person has completed treatment for early or locally advanced breast cancer.

Although metastatic breast cancer is not curable today, it is treatable. Metastatic breast cancer treatment is guided by many factors including, the biology of the tumor, where the cancer has spread, past breast cancer treatment and personal preferences. Many different drug therapies can be used to treat metastatic breast cancer including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, HER2-targeted therapy and other drug therapies.

Many new treatments for metastatic breast cancer are being studied. Most are drug therapies and findings from clinical trials will determine whether they become part of standard care for metastatic breast cancer. Over the past 40 years, treatment of metastatic breast cancer has greatly improved due to information gained through clinical trials.

Susan G. Komen has partnered with BreastCancerTrials.org and other organizations to provide Metastatic Trial Search, the first-ever clinical trial search engine designed specifically for people with metastatic breast cancer. You can find it in the Metastatic Breast Cancer section of komen.org

If you or a loved one needs information or resources about clinical trials, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877- 465- 6636) or email clinicaltrialinfo@komen.org.

Supportive care is all the care given to improve quality of life. It’s sometimes known as palliative care. This care aims to prevent and reduce side effects of treatment and of the cancer itself. It may include bone strengthening therapy, and interventions to help with loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue and pain. Supportive care also helps people with cancer and their caregivers cope with the disease and its treatment. It should always be a part of metastatic breast cancer treatment.

Pain management is an important part of palliative care. It aims to provide the most pain control with the least amount of medication to limit side effects. With metastatic breast cancer, pain can be related to the cancer itself or to treatment. It’s treated with a variety of medications and therapies.

Support groups and counseling can improve quality of life for the person diagnosed and their loved ones.

Hospice is a philosophy of care that aims to give a sense of control to people near the end of a terminal illness. It can help preserve quality of life and enhance the time remaining as much as possible, while allowing a person to die as comfortably and with as much dignity as possible.

For more information or to find resources in your area, call the Susan G. Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN, or 1-877-465-6636, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET. You can also email the breast care helpline at helpline@komen.org.