Table 2.

Factors to consider when selecting endocrine therapy for patients with advanced breast cancer.

Patient	Age
	Menopausal statusComorbiditiesPerformance statusExpectations and preferencesToxicities to previous treatmentsAdherence, compliance
Tumor	Histological subtypeExpression of hormone receptorsHER2 amplificationIntrinsic subtypePredictive biomarkers *
Disease	Site of metastasisTumor burdenSymptomatology and/or need for rapid responsePrevious endocrine treatmentDisease-free interval on adjuvant settingResponse to previous ETDuration of response to previous ET
Agent	Mechanism of actionExpected toxicitiesPharmacological interactionsAvailabilityCostRoute of administration
Other issues	Availability of clinical researchExisting guidelinesFinancial hardshipSocial support

^*Predictive biomarkers for endocrine therapy in HR+ ABC are not available and developments in this field should be a priority of future research.

ABC, advanced breast cancer; ET, endocrine therapy; HER2, human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2; HR+, hormone receptor positive.