[Primary chemotherapy in operable breast carcinoma].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology
• Medical Oncology

Background:

• Primary chemotherapy is a treatment for resectable breast cancer.
• It aims to reduce tumor size before surgery.
• Its role compared to adjuvant chemotherapy is under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of primary chemotherapy for resectable breast cancer.
• To evaluate its benefits, limitations, and potential for improving breast conservation.
• To identify areas for future research.

Main Methods:

• Review of available findings and prospective randomized studies.
• Analysis of clinical and biological evidence supporting primary chemotherapy.
• Consideration of pathological complete remission rates as an outcome marker.

Main Results:

• Primary chemotherapy significantly increases breast conservation rates through tumor shrinkage.
• Current data do not show clear superiority over adjuvant chemotherapy.
• Pathological complete remissions are associated with favorable outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Primary chemotherapy offers comparable long-term results to adjuvant chemotherapy and enhances breast-sparing options.
• Further large-scale randomized trials with novel regimens are crucial.
• Improved pathological complete remission rates could necessitate a paradigm shift in operable breast cancer management.