Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
15:04
Potentiation of Anticancer Antibody Efficacy by Antineoplastic Drugs: Detection of Antibody-drug Synergism Using the Combination Index Equation
Published on: January 19, 2019
Systemic adjuvant therapy for node-negative breast cancer.
A D Ginsburg1, D J Perrault, K I Pritchard
1Kingston Regional Cancer Centre, Ont.
Summary
Systemic adjuvant therapy for node-negative breast cancer shows modest disease-free survival benefits but not overall survival. Routine use is not justified; identify high-risk patients for potential benefit.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Breast Cancer Research
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Recent US National Cancer Institute (NCI) advice prompts re-evaluation of systemic adjuvant therapy for node-negative breast cancer.
- Existing literature indicates a complex benefit profile for adjuvant therapy in this patient group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on systemic adjuvant therapy for node-negative breast cancer in light of NCI recommendations.
- To assess the survival advantages and potential drawbacks of such therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating systemic adjuvant therapy for node-negative breast cancer.
- Analysis of reported disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) data.
Main Results:
- Several studies demonstrate a disease-free survival advantage for patients receiving adjuvant therapy.
- No significant overall survival advantage has been consistently observed.
- Observed benefits are modest and may be outweighed by therapy costs and toxic effects.
Conclusions:
- Routine use of systemic adjuvant therapy for node-negative breast cancer is not currently justified.
- Further research is needed to identify patient subgroups (high-risk vs. low-risk) who may truly benefit from adjuvant therapy.
- Personalized treatment strategies are essential to optimize outcomes and minimize adverse effects.
Related Concept Videos
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.