Advanced Breast Cancer

The term "advanced breast cancer" usually refers to stages of breast cancer labeled IIIB/C and IV. Advanced breast cancer may be present at first diagnosis or after a recurrence.

Advanced breast cancer

Know that, with appropriate therapy, many women with recurrent or advanced breast cancer continue to go on with their lives, thanks to many available treatment options. Depending on your unique situation, you and your doctor will decide on the treatment that is right for you. Learn about treatment options.

During treatment and beyond, stay commited to your well-being

Learn more about a treatment option for postmenopausal women whose disease has returned or progressed following antiestrogen therapy

Breast cancer stages IIIB/C and IV

The term "advanced breast cancer" typically includes breast cancer stages IIIB/C and IV. Advanced breast cancer may be present at first diagnosis or after a recurrence.

Advanced breast cancer stage 3.

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In stage IIIB/C, known as locally advanced cancer, the tumor may be of any size but has spread into the skin of the breast or tissues of the chest wall or to lymph nodes near the breastbone or above or below the collarbone on the same side of the body as the original tumor

Advanced breast cancer stage 4.

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In stage IV, known as metastatic cancer, cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the bone, liver, lungs, or brain

Breast cancer pathology report

A pathology report provides important information to help your doctor determine your stage of breast cancer. Along with other factors, knowing the stage of your breast cancer will help you and your doctor determine the treatment plan that is right for you.

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Important Information About ARIMIDEX

ARIMIDEX is approved for adjuvant treatment (treatment following surgery with or without radiation) of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer.

ARIMIDEX is approved for the initial treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive or hormone receptor-unknown locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer and for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer that has progressed following treatment with tamoxifen. Patients with hormone receptor-negative disease and patients who did not previously respond to tamoxifen therapy rarely responded to ARIMIDEX.

Important Safety Information About ARIMIDEX

  • Prescription ARIMIDEX is only for postmenopausal women. ARIMIDEX should not be taken if you are pregnant because it may harm your unborn child
  • Based on information from a study in patients with early breast cancer, women with a history of blockages in heart arteries (ischemic heart disease) who take ARIMIDEX may have a slight increase in this type of heart disease compared to similar patients who take tamoxifen
  • ARIMIDEX can cause bone softening/weakening (osteoporosis) increasing the chance of fractures. In a clinical study in early breast cancer, there were more fractures (including fractures of the spine, hip, and wrist) with ARIMIDEX (10%) than with tamoxifen (7%)
  • In a clinical study in early breast cancer, some patients taking ARIMIDEX had an increase in cholesterol. Skin reactions, allergic reactions, and changes in blood tests of liver function have also been reported
  • In the early breast cancer clinical trial, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX include hot flashes, joint symptoms (including arthritis and arthralgia), weakness, mood changes, pain, back pain, sore throat, nausea and vomiting, rash, depression, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, fractures, swelling of arms/legs, insomnia, and headache
  • In advanced breast cancer trials, the most common side effects seen with ARIMIDEX versus tamoxifen include hot flashes, nausea, decreased energy and weakness, pain, back pain, headache, bone pain, increased cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and swelling of arms and legs. Joint pain/stiffness has been reported in association with the use of ARIMIDEX
  • ARIMIDEX should not be taken with tamoxifen or estrogen-containing therapies

Please click here for full Prescribing Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088).