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Target therapy in elderly breast cancer patients
Paolo Carli1, Elisa Turchet, Daniela Quitadamo
1Division of Medical Oncology C, National Cancer Institute, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico via Franco Gallini 2, 33081 Aviano, Italy. paolocarli1979@gmail.com
Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
|January 20, 2012
Summary
Targeted therapies for HER2 and VEGF show promise in breast cancer management. This review summarizes evidence in elderly patients, highlighting the need for dedicated phase III trials in this population.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Breast cancer management has advanced with targeted therapies like HER2 and VEGF inhibitors.
- Efficacy and safety data for these treatments in the elderly breast cancer population are limited.
- Existing data primarily come from subgroup analyses or retrospective studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on targeted therapies (HER2, VEGF) in elderly breast cancer patients.
- To identify gaps in knowledge and the need for specific clinical trials.
- To encourage future research focused on this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of data from retrospective series and subgroup analyses.
- Synthesis of safety and efficacy information.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies show potential benefits in elderly breast cancer patients.
- Specific phase III trial data for this population are lacking.
- Evidence suggests a need for tailored treatment approaches.
Conclusions:
- Further well-designed phase III trials are crucial for the elderly breast cancer population.
- Optimizing targeted therapy for older adults requires dedicated research.
- Evidence-based guidelines are needed for managing breast cancer in the elderly.
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