Introduction to chemotherapy and antineoplastic pharmacology in breast cancer

Tumor cell biology and growth-kinetics of human breast cancer are reviewed with reference to the different action mechanisms of main antitumor drugs. Particular emphasis is given to pharmacokinetics, dosage, mode of administration, effectiveness and side-effects of drugs most commonly used in breast cancer. The importance of tumor Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor assay for the therapy planning is considered and a short review of estrogens, androgens, progestins, antiestrogens, corticoids and aminogluthetimide is presented. The rationale for combined chemotherapy and/or hormonotherapy in breast cancer is finally discussed.