Chemotherapeutic palliative approaches in the treatment of breast cancer

The palliative approach to the treatment of metastatic breast cancer deserves discussion because of the numerous patients diagnosed with this disease. Approximately 10% of the greater than 180,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year will present with metastatic disease, and an additional 50% to 70% will eventually relapse. The clinician must consider the treatment toxicity, efficacy, and impact on quality of life to arrive at the optimal therapeutic decision. The following discussion will provide an overview of palliative treatment options, including single-agent and combination chemotherapy, as well as new alternative drugs, such as paclitaxel and vinorelbine. Treatment toxicity and its impact on quality of life will be emphasized.