What is Your Risk of Metastatic Breast Cancer?

Did you know that your risk of metastatic breast cancer is higher if you have a family history or if you’ve had breast cancer in the past? As noted by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, almost 30% of people diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will eventually develop metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer has a 20% 5-year survival rate in men and 31% for women. This makes it even more important to find and treat it early. G. Varuni Kondagunta, MD, a board-certified oncologist and hematologist at Crystal Run Healthcare, explained that while new technology and treatment methods are being developed, the most important thing you can do is stay up-to-date with your screenings to detect breast cancer early when it is easiest to treat.

"Metastatic breast cancer is where breast cancer moves from the origin in the breast through the blood, and through the lymph system to other areas of the body, such as liver, bone, brain, lymph nodes, or lung," said Dr. Kondagunta.

Metastatic breast cancer can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on where the cancer cells have spread. Bone pain, headaches, blurry or double vision, and swelling in your limbs can all be symptoms of metastatic breast cancer. If these symptoms are present in someone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is important to schedule an evaluation as the cancer may have spread to the affected areas.

The diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is complex. It can occur during evaluation of an initial diagnosis of breast cancer when a doctor orders a ‘staging workup’ to check for signs of cancer spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.  It can also occur in a patient who has had treatment for breast cancer who has developed symptoms.  Tests to help check for metastatic disease can include blood tests, MRI scans, x-rays or additional biopsies.

During an initial evaluation for breast cancer, a biopsy is done in which a doctor takes a small sample of tissue from the breast and examines it under a microscope. This close look at the tissue helps the doctor determine whether cancer is present and, if so, what type of cancer it is. This information is critical for making treatment decisions. Now, some researchers are also studying new ways to detect cancer, such as testing for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or circulating tumor DNA (CTDNA) in the blood. CTCs are cancer cells that have broken away from the primary tumor and traveled through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

"We are seeing the emergence of specific tests that analyze these types of cancer cells," Said Dr. Kondagunta. “These tests look for CTC cells regeneration rate to see if the cancer is present or to check which treatment may be most effective.”

Research shows these tests may help to guide more precise and timely interventions by providing early indications of cancer cell presence and activity. Regular screening and advanced diagnostic techniques are critical components in the fight against metastatic breast cancer, as they enable healthcare providers to deliver personalized care and improve patient outcomes.

In the world of breast cancer treatment, the landscape for metastatic disease is rapidly changing. One recent case study explored the advancement of tumor tissue testing and molecular testing to better manage breast cancer treatment. This way, doctors can find specific genetic problems in the tumor. This lets them use specific treatments. By targeting these molecular pathways, oncologists can tailor treatments to each patient's unique genetic profile, enhancing the efficacy and precision of care.

“Clinical trials are a critical part of developing new treatments for metastatic breast cancer.” said Dr. Kondagunta. “They are changing the way we think about clinical trials and cancer treatment. These trials may be able to match patients to the most appropriate treatments based on the genetic changes in their tumors.”

Regular screenings and check-ups with healthcare providers are important for early detection and effective treatment. Innovative approaches, such as those being developed through clinical trials and targeted therapies, highlight the critical role of ongoing research in improving patient outcomes. By staying proactive and informed, patients can access the most advanced treatments available, enhancing their chances of managing metastatic breast cancer effectively.

“One thing that I would like for people to remember, is that screening remains the only means of early detection. Earlier detection leads to earlier stage disease at the time of diagnosis and earlier stage disease is more likely to be cured.” said Dr. Kondagunta. Dr. Kondagunta also advises that understanding your personal risk factors and discussing them with your healthcare provider is crucial.

“It is important your doctor knows your family history of breast cancer,” advised Dr. Kondagunta. “Your family history is important and helps your provider determine when you should begin getting screened. Whether there’s a family history of breast cancer or other types of cancer such as ovarian cancer or prostate cancer, they need to be discussed with your physician so that the appropriate genetic testing can also be done and you are given the right screening recommendations.”

An OB-GYN at Crystal Run Healthcare can work with you in tailoring a screening plan that is most suitable for you. Whether it is through annual mammograms, clinical exams or other diagnostic tests, the goal is to catch any abnormalities at the earliest possible stage. Regular check-ups and open communication with your OB-GYN are fundamental in maintaining optimal breast health and ensuring the best possible outcomes.

G. Varuni Kondagunta, MD, is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist at Crystal Run Healthcare. She earned her medical degree at Cornell University Medical College. She completed both her internship and residency in internal medicine at New York University Medical Center in New York, NY. Dr. Kondagunta completed her fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. She has clinical interests in genitourinary cancers and breast cancer. Dr. Kondagunta is currently seeing patients in Middletown and Rock Hill, NY.