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Several new systemic therapy options have become available for patients with metastatic breast cancer, which have led to improvements in survival. In addition to patient and clinical factors, the treatment selection primarily depends on the tumor biology hormone-receptor status and HER2-status. Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women in the United States. Expert medical clinical judgment is required to apply these guidelines in the context of an individual patient to provide optimal care. Although not stated at every decision point of the guidelines, patient participation in prospective clinical trials is the preferred option of treatment of all stages of breast cancer. NCCN believes that the best management of any patient with cancer is in a clinical trial. Patients should be encouraged to participate in clinical trials whenever clinical trials are available.
Breast Cancer, Version 3.2020, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
The therapeutic options for patients with noninvasive or invasive breast cancer are complex and varied. In many situations, the patient and physician have the responsibility to jointly explore and ultimately select the most appropriate option from among the available alternatives. With rare exception, the evaluation, treatment, and follow-up recommendations contained within these guidelines were based largely on the results of past and present clinical trials. However, there is not a single clinical situation in which the treatment of breast cancer has been optimized with respect to either maximizing cure or minimizing toxicity and disfigurement.