What has NICE said?
Everolimus (Afinitor), given with a drug called exemestane, is recommended. It is a possible treatment for advanced breast cancer without symptomatic visceral disease in postmenopausal women whose cancer:
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is human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative
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is hormone-receptor positive and
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has come back or got worse after a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor drug.
If you have advanced breast cancer without symptomatic visceral disease, and your doctor thinks that everolimus is the right treatment, you should be able to have it on the NHS.
The condition and the treatment
Advanced breast cancer without symptomatic visceral disease is cancer that has spread to surrounding tissues or to other parts of the body, but is not causing symptoms as a result of its spread.
HER2 negative means that there are low levels of a protein called HER2 on the surface of the cancer cells. This protein affects cancer growth.
For some women, the hormones oestrogen or progesterone stimulate breast cancer cells to grow. This type of breast cancer is known as hormone-receptor positive.
Everolimus slows down the growth and spread of cancer cells.
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more.
These organisations can give you advice and support:
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Breast Cancer Care, 0808 800 6000
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Breast Cancer Now, 0333 207 0300
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Breast Cancer UK, 0845 6801 322
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Cancer Research UK Patient Information (previously CancerHelp UK)
0808 800 4040 -
Macmillan Cancer Support, 0808 808 0000
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.