Systemic therapy of breast cancer in early and advanced disease

Despite substantial advances in breast cancer treatment, mortality from this disease remains high. While adjuvant chemo-hormonal therapy has significantly improved survival, breast cancer still claims the lives of more than 45,000 American women each year. This article is a brief review of various modalities used in the management of breast cancer, including adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy, treatment for advanced disease, dose intensification, and autologous bone marrow transplantation.