A Patient’s Inspiring Journey Through Advanced Breast Cancer Treatment

In 2016, a 52-year-old woman was diagnosed with stage IV triple-positive invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast. The primary tumor was located in the lower outer quadrant of the left breast, causing persistent pain and discomfort. The cancer had already spread to the axillary lymph nodes and liver. Due to these distant metastases, she was not a candidate for surgery.

The patient underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy and targeted therapies over several years. From 2016 to 2018, she received Paclitaxel, Trastuzumab, and Pertuzumab, along with hormonal therapy. However, disease progression in the liver in 2018 led to a switch to Trastuzumab emtansine (TDM1), which was later discontinued due to liver toxicity. In 2019, she was placed on Fulvestrant and Lupron but had to transition to Capecitabine combined with endocrine therapy due to side effects. As the disease continued to progress in 2020, she resumed TDM1 and was referred for cryoablation of the primary tumor.

In May 2020, she underwent the cryoablation procedure, where liquid nitrogen was used to freeze and destroy the tumor. By November 2020, imaging showed a complete response in the breast and liver metastases. Unfortunately, cancer recurred in the left axillary lymph nodes, leading to radiation therapy. By mid-2021, new signs of disease progression were detected in multiple areas, including the lymph nodes, liver, and peritoneum. To manage this, she was started on a new regimen with Fam-Trastuzumab Deruxtecan, which has since stabilized her condition.

By 2024, the patient continues on treatment with stable disease, maintaining a good quality of life. Her journey highlights the importance of persistence, innovative treatments, and continuous medical advancements in fighting advanced breast cancer.