Chemotherapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Chemotherapy (also called chemo) uses drugs to destroy or damage fast-growing cells like cancer cells. It is used to shrink tumors, slow cancer’s growth, relieve symptoms, or help people live longer. Chemotherapy drugs are given in different ways (intravenously, orally by a pill, or by injection). 

These are the latest chemotherapies that are available to treat metastatic breast cancer. New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list. 

Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell your healthcare team about any side effects you do have.

All Available Treatments

Treatment Type

Anthracyclines

Drug Names
Adriamycin® (doxorubicin)
Doxil® (doxorubicin HCl liposome injection)
Ellence® (epirubicin)
Potential Severe Side Effects
Heart problems
Potential Side Effects
Hair thinning/loss Hand-foot syndrome Low blood counts Nausea/vomiting Mouth sores
Important Things to Know
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
  • This chemo can increase the risk of heart problems. You may have to switch to a different chemo or get an additional medicine to help protect your heart.
  • Mouth sores are a potential side effect that can be painful and affect your oral intake. Speak to your provider about proactive management and an oral care regimen.

Treatment Type

Taxanes

Drug Names
Taxotere® (docetaxel)
Taxol® (paclitaxel)
Abraxane® (paclitaxel in albuminbound particles)
Potential Side Effects
Adverse drug reaction Dry eye Flu-like symptoms Swelling Hair thinning/loss Joint pain/stiffness Low blood counts Nausea/vomiting Neuropathy Skin/nail changes Fatigue/weakness
Important Things to Know
  • These drug treatments are for HER2+ cancer.
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
  • This treatment is used with Xeloda when HER2+ cancer no longer responds to Herceptin® (targeted therapy drug).

Treatment Type

Platinum-containing compounds

Drug Names
Paraplatin® (carboplatin)
Platinol® (cisplatin)
Potential Side Effects - All Drugs
Diarrhea Hair thinning/loss Weight/appetite changes Low blood counts Nausea/vomiting Neuropathy Taste changes
Potential Side Effects - Cisplatin
Hearing changes Urinary, kidney, or bladder changes
Important Things to Know
  • This group of drugs can be very effective in patients with triple-negative breast cancer or BRCA-associated cancers.
  • Kidney problems and hearing loss are less common side effects of Cisplatin.
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.

Treatment Type

Anti-Metabolites

Drug Names
Fluorouracil® (5-FU)
Gemzar® (gemcitabine)
Xeloda® (capecitabine)
Potential Severe Side Effects - Gemzar
Lung problems
Potential Side Effects - Xeloda and Flourouracil
Diarrhea Hand-foot syndrome Nausea/vomiting Mouth sores
Potential Side Effects - Gemzar
Fatigue/weakness Fever Low blood counts Skin/nail changes Nausea/vomiting Diarrhea
Important Things to Know
  • These drugs can cause hand-foot syndrome. It is important to tell your doctor or nurse as soon as you have pain, blistering, cracking, or redness in your hands or feet.
  • A fever may occur within the first 24 hours of administration of Gemzar.
  • Low blood counts (especially platelets) are a potential side effect of Gemzar. Low blood counts may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
  • Lung problems are a rare but serious possible side effect of Gemzar.
  • Mouth sores are a potential side effect of Xeloda and Flourouracil that can be painful and affect your oral intake. Speak to your provider about proactive management and an oral care regimen.

Treatment Type

Microtubule Inhibitors

Drug Names
Halaven® (eribulin)
Ixempra® (ixabepilone)
Navelbine® (vinorelbine)
Potential Side Effects
Adverse drug reaction Constipation Diarrhea Fatigue/weakness Hair thinning/loss Low blood counts Nausea/vomiting Neuropathy
Important Things to Know
  • Ixempra is given alone or with Xeloda.
  • In many cases, Navelbine does not cause hair loss.
  • Pain may occur at the tumor site after infusion.
  • If Navelbine causes pain in your veins, ask about getting a port.
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.