What you should know about metastatic breast cancer (mBC)
mBC, also known as “advanced breast cancer,” is cancer that starts in the breast tissue and then spreads to other parts of the body. Cancer cells break away from the breast and travel through the lymph system or blood vessels to another place (usually the bones, lungs, liver, or brain). mBC accounts for about 6% of new cases of breast cancer and affects about one-third of all women with breast cancer.*
*Based on data from cases in 2012-2016.
BREAST CANCER IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES
You are not alone—there are people going through similar experiences who may be able to provide guidance and support for you. You can connect with them through these organizations.
Information is also available for your family and friends as they support you through your diagnosis and treatment.
Subtypes and receptor status
There are different subtypes of breast cancer. Each subtype behaves and responds to treatment in a different way. Because of this, your treatment for breast cancer will depend on what subtype of the disease you have. A doctor can determine the subtype of the disease by looking at a sample of your breast tissue.
Each subtype has specific receptors that encourage cancer growth. Receptors include
- Estrogen receptor (ER)
- Progesterone receptor (PR)
- Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu)
If the cancer has a specific type of receptor, it is positive for that receptor. For example, a cancer with the hormone receptor ER is called ER-positive, or ER+, disease. A cancer may be positive for more than one type of receptor. This means that your disease can have the following receptor statuses:
- ER +/-
- PR +/-
- HER2/neu +/-
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
It is also possible for a cancer to be negative for all 3 receptors. This type of cancer is called triple-negative disease. When breast cancer is triple-negative, it means that there are no estrogen, progesterone, or HER2/neu receptors in the tumor cells telling the cancer to grow. TNBC is considered to be more aggressive because it is more likely to spread and also more likely to come back after treatment. TNBC is often treated with a chemotherapy or with a combination of therapies.
It is important to talk to your doctor about the treatment options available to you based on the receptor status of your cancer.
Who is HALAVEN (eribulin mesylate) Injection for?
HALAVEN is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, and who have already received other types of anticancer medicines after the cancer has spread.
What safety information do I need to know about HALAVEN?
HALAVEN can cause serious side effects, including
- Low white blood cell count (neutropenia). This can lead to serious infections that could lead to death. Your health care provider will check your blood cell counts. Call your health care provider right away if you develop fever (temperature above 100.5°F), chills, cough, or burning or pain when you urinate, as any of these can be symptoms of infection
- Numbness, tingling, or pain in your hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy). Peripheral neuropathy is common with HALAVEN and sometimes can be severe. Tell your health care provider if you have new or worsening symptoms of peripheral neuropathy
- Your health care provider may delay or decrease your dose or stop treatment with HALAVEN if you have side effects
Before you receive HALAVEN, tell your health care provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you
- have liver or kidney problems
- have heart problems, including a problem called congenital long QT syndrome
- have low potassium or low magnesium in your blood
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. HALAVEN can harm your unborn baby. Tell your health care provider right away if you become pregnant or think you are pregnant during treatment with HALAVEN. Females who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with HALAVEN and for at least 2 weeks after the final dose of HALAVEN and males should use an effective form of birth control when having sex with female partners who are able to become pregnant during treatment with HALAVEN and for 3½ months (14 weeks) after the final dose of HALAVEN
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if HALAVEN passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with HALAVEN and for 2 weeks after the final dose of HALAVEN
Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What are the possible side effects of HALAVEN?
HALAVEN can cause changes in your heartbeat (called QT prolongation). This can cause irregular heartbeats. Your health care provider may do heart monitoring (electrocardiogram or ECG) or blood tests during your treatment with HALAVEN to check for heart problems.
The most common side effects of HALAVEN in adults with breast cancer include low white blood cell count (neutropenia), low red blood cell count (anemia), weakness or tiredness, hair loss (alopecia), nausea, and constipation.
Your health care provider will do blood tests before and during treatment while you are taking HALAVEN.
For more information about HALAVEN, please see 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.