[Treatment possibilities in breast cancer progressing after anthracyclines and/or taxanes]

The treatment of recurrent, progressing, metastatic breast cancer, which has previously been exposed to anthracyclines and/or taxanes is not only a major clinical challenge, but has a significant social impact too. In the absence of formal guidelines, this review has aimed to summarize the published evidence that is needed to guide clinical decision-making. Four new agents are approved for use in this setting: capecitabine, gemcitabine, ixabepilone, and nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel. Nevertheless this review summarizes the results of studies with other active agents, as liposomal doxorubicin, rotation of taxanes, larotaxel, vinorelbine, and other biological agents.