title: [Are there alternative forms of therapy in breast carcinoma? Status and perspectives for the treatment of metastasized breast carcinoma].
abstract: The emergence of new cytotoxic agents and techniques for treatment of systemic disease as single modalities or in combination with irradiation and surgery will impact on the use of such agents in the management of systemic breast cancer. Metastatic breast carcinoma, unlike other solid tumors, is highly responsive to chemotherapy, response rates of 50 to 70% have been reported consistently, although there has not been a significant improvement on long-term survival of these patients in the last ten years. New therapeutic approaches include cytotoxic and hormonal agents, growth and differentiation factors, monoclonal antibodies, hematopoietic stem cell support, conquest of tumor cell resistance by MDR-modulation, genetic manipulation, identification of new targets on the tumor surface, synthesis of target-oriented designer-drugs and inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. In breast cancer the tumor growth correlates with vascularization and angiogenesis. Tumor angiogenesis is stimulated by the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Microvessel density is a significant predictor of survival among node-negative women, who are at risk for having occult metastases at presentation. These patients could then be given systemic adjuvant therapy. Animal experiments show promising inhibition of tumor growth in nude mice after application of antibodies against VEGF. Other methods of manipulation of molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis are under investigation.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Tumorbiologie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Unger
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Marmé
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015195:Drug Design; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D005260:Female; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006131:Growth Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000517:prevention & control; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
chemical_list: D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D006131:Growth Inhibitors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors