Chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer: A current perspective Journal Article
| Author: | Seidman, A. D. |
| Article Title: | Chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer: A current perspective |
| Abstract: | The systemic management of patients with hormone-refractory breast cancer metastatic to sites beyond regional axillary lymph nodes is classically characterized by the thoughtful, step-wise administration of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. At various junctures in the continuum of care, a patient/physician analysis of the potential risks and benefits of chemotherapy may lead to the decision to proceed with subsequent systemic therapy, to consider an investigational strategy, or to opt for supportive care alone. The emergence of new active agents such as the taxanes has provided a valuable alternative option for such patients. While other cytotoxic agents in development may ultimately prove useful in the management of stage IV breast cancer, including some with novel antineoplastic mechanisms, there is evidence for optimism that the ability to perturb autocrine and paracrine growth factor pathways (eg, with monoclonal antibodies) may afford a viable alternative systemic approach, perhaps with a greater therapeutic index than 'conventional' agents. Throughout the process of drug development, an increasing focus on the impact of new systemic regimens on quality of life, and costs associated with the palliative care of metastatic breast cancer should optimize the care of women with this disease. |
| Keywords: | cancer chemotherapy; cancer survival; treatment outcome; clinical trial; neutropenia; review; cytotoxic agent; doxorubicin; fluorouracil; advanced cancer; antineoplastic agents; paclitaxel; chemotherapy, adjuvant; topotecan; drug megadose; antineoplastic agent; lymphatic metastasis; neoplasm staging; palliative care; edema; quality of life; phase 2 clinical trial; breast cancer; thrombocytopenia; drug design; breast neoplasms; risk assessment; docetaxel; irinotecan; mitoxantrone; epirubicin; taxoids; vinca alkaloid; phase 3 clinical trial; phase 1 clinical trial; taxane derivative; navelbine; mitomycin; decision making; granulocyte colony stimulating factor; continuity of patient care; costs and cost analysis; gyrase inhibitor; bridged compounds; growth inhibitors; growth factor receptor; gossypol; humans; human; female; priority journal |
| Journal Title: | Seminars in Oncology |
| Volume: | 23 |
| Issue: | 1 Suppl. 2 |
| ISSN: | 0093-7754 |
| Publisher: | Elsevier Inc. |
| Date Published: | 1996-02-01 |
| Start Page: | 55 |
| End Page: | 59 |
| Language: | English |
| PUBMED: | 8614846 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Review -- Export Date: 22 November 2017 -- Source: Scopus |
