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A group of researchers has released updated guidelines for the treatment of the major form of advanced breast cancer. 

HER2-negative breast tumors have cancers that don't respond to drugs that target HER2 protein and almost 80 percent of women with advanced breast cancer have HER2-negative tumors, the press release said. 

"In releasing this guideline, our aim is to improve both the length and quality of patients' lives," Dr. Ann Partridge, co-chair of the expert panel that developed the guidelines, said in the statement. "Although no clear chemotherapy winner emerged-the guideline will help doctors and patients choose the best therapy based on what treatment would be most tolerable and convenient for the patient."

The updated guidelines were geared toward women with advanced cancers who are set to begin chemotherapy regimen. 

"There are many different types of treatments available but some are unnecessarily toxic," Dr. Ian Smith, co-chair of the expert panel that developed the guidelines, explained in the statement. "This guideline emphasizes that breast cancer can often be controlled with less-intensive approaches that offer a better quality of life for patients. Patients should be involved in decisions about their own treatment and also encouraged to participate in clinical trials whenever possible."

The guidelines are detailed in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.