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Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
Published on: February 6, 2015
Conceptual basis for advances in the systemic drug therapy of breast cancer
1Breast Cancer Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Abstract:
Several directions are currently being explored to improve treatment outcome among patients with breast cancer. Although regulation of cell division likely will be necessary to effect an ultimate cure for cancer, work continues into maximizing responses to chemotherapy to manage the neoplastic progression and symptoms of disease. While new anticancer agents are being sought, progress has been most readily achieved through the concepts of drug dosing and scheduling. Manipulating treatment impact by altering drug intensity and using novel scheduling strategies are yielding improvement in responses, and newer concepts, such as the limits of cytoreduction, are gaining prominence in clinical trials. This article reviews the current knowledge, ongoing research protocols, and future directions in these areas of systemic therapy for breast cancer.
Insights
Optimizing chemotherapy for breast cancer involves adjusting drug intensity and scheduling. Research focuses on maximizing patient responses and managing disease progression for better treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Breast cancer treatment aims to improve patient outcomes.
- Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone for managing neoplastic progression and symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge and ongoing research in systemic therapy for breast cancer.
- To explore future directions in optimizing chemotherapy dosing and scheduling.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical trial protocols.
- Analysis of strategies in drug dosing, scheduling, and intensity manipulation.
Main Results:
- Progress in chemotherapy response is linked to optimized drug dosing and novel scheduling.
- Altering drug intensity and employing new scheduling strategies improve treatment responses.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing chemotherapy through dose and schedule manipulation is crucial for breast cancer treatment.
- Emerging concepts like limits of cytoreduction are important for clinical trials.
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