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Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
Marjorie C Green1, Gabriel N Hortobagyi
1Department of Breast Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, TX 77030-4009, USA. mgreen@mdanderson.org
Langenbeck'S Archives of Surgery
|September 25, 2002
Summary
Adjuvant chemotherapy, particularly anthracycline-containing regimens, significantly benefits both pre- and postmenopausal women with operable breast cancer. Treatment decisions should balance potential benefits against risks for each patient.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Treatment
Background:
- Significant advances in adjuvant breast cancer treatment over three decades.
- Declining breast cancer mortality attributed to earlier diagnosis and improved therapies.
- Review of current chemotherapy use in the adjuvant setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze the rationale for current systemic chemotherapy in adjuvant breast cancer treatment.
- Present recent data on taxanes and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of published randomized trials and meta-analyses.
- Analysis of data from the Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group.
Main Results:
- Both pre- and postmenopausal women benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.
- Anthracycline-containing regimens demonstrate superiority over non-anthracycline regimens.
- Chemotherapy incorporation recommended for most operable breast cancer patients.
Conclusions:
- Adjuvant chemotherapy is a proven benefit for operable breast cancer.
- Anthracycline-based regimens are preferred.
- Individualized patient assessment is crucial for treatment decisions.