[Results of, and indications for adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer]

As the observation times of current studies using adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of operable stage II breast cancer lengthen, the probability of significantly reducing the high risk of developing metastases associated with this stage of the disease is also increasing and should be reflected in improved cure rates. The theoretical basis, prerequisites and presently available results for adjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer are discussed. Adjuvant combination chemotherapy provides better results than monochemotherapy with Alkeran. While earlier results suggested that adjuvant chemotherapy is especially effective in premenopausal women, newer studies and analyses indicate that appropriate dosage and consistent administration of chemotherapy are of decisive importance. Exact determination and documentation of the tumor stage, and especially the regional lymph node status, is the most important factor in determining the indication for adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy is still best with many unsolved problems. These include the duration, necessary intensity based upon risk factors, and short- and long-term side effects.