Latest Immunotherapy Guidelines: Better Control of MBC and Prevent Relapse

Is the side effect of traditional treatment severe and prone to relapse? Immunotherapy has become one of the most promising avenues for treating estrogen-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Combining immunotherapy with traditional therapies such as hormone therapy can maximize the effectiveness of treatment and improve quality of life.

Immunotherapy for Estrogen-Positive Breast Cancer

Estrogen-positive (ER+) breast cancer is the most common subtype and has traditionally been treated with hormone therapies, such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. Immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, providing a promising complement to standard hormone therapy. In 2019, updated guidelines provided valuable insights into the role of immunotherapy in ER+ breast cancer. These guidelines highlight the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors, a class of immunotherapies that can restore the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells. While these drugs have a lower overall response rate in ER+ breast cancer, certain subgroups, such as those with higher tumor mutation burden or PD-L1 expression, have shown more promising results.

First-line treatment for ER-positive breast cancer

For patients with advanced hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, first-line treatment often includes a combination of hormone therapy and targeted drugs such as CDK4/6 inhibitors. This combination has shown significant improvements in progression-free survival compared to hormone therapy alone. However, for patients whose disease progresses after these initial treatments, options are more limited. Immunotherapy can play a role here. Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination with other therapies in the first-line treatment of ER-positive advanced breast cancer.

Keytruda: A Promising Immunotherapy Option

One immunotherapy that has gained attention in the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer is Keytruda (pembrolizumab), a PD-1 inhibitor approved for use in a variety of cancers. While Keytruda was initially approved for the triple-negative breast cancer subtype, ongoing trials are also examining its potential in ER-positive disease. For patients with metastatic ER-positive breast cancer whose disease has progressed after prior treatment, Keytruda may offer a new treatment approach. By blocking the interaction between PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1, Keytruda may reinvigorate the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. Preliminary results suggest that the combination of Keytruda and hormone therapy may improve treatment outcomes in certain patient populations. It is important to note that Keytruda is a prescription drug and patients should consult their oncologist to determine if it is appropriate for their specific situation. The decision to use Keytruda or other immunotherapies should be made in close collaboration with the healthcare team, taking into account the patient's medical history, disease characteristics, and potential benefits and risks.

Get a Keytruda Prescription Online

If you would like to try Keytruda for ER-positive breast cancer, be sure to consult with your doctor. They can help you determine if Keytruda is right for you based on your personal situation and medical history. In some cases, Keytruda is available through online prescription services. These services allow patients to consult with their doctors remotely and obtain a Keytruda prescription when they deem it appropriate. This may be a convenient option for patients who have difficulty accessing traditional medical services.

Conclusion

The continued development of immunotherapies for ER-positive breast cancer holds promise for improving patient outcomes and overall health. As research continues to uncover the complexity of how the immune system interacts with this disease, doctors and patients can stay informed and explore the latest guidelines and treatment options for immunotherapies, including the potential role of Keytruda. By harnessing the power of the immune system, we hope to better fight metastatic breast cancer and help those affected achieve healthier lives.