High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell support for breast cancer: where are we now?
To date, there is no definitive evidence that high-dose chemotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell support offers a survival advantage over conventional-dose chemotherapy for metastatic or high-risk primary breast cancer. Studies of metastatic disease discussed in this review have an adequate duration of follow-up given the short natural history of metastatic breast cancer. Thus, the results of these studies are unlikely to change with a longer observation period. On the other hand, studies of high-dose chemotherapy in the treatment of high-risk primary breast cancer need longer follow-up in light of the longer natural history of this type of disease. Results of unpublished studies and longer follow-up of available studies may still demonstrate a survival advantage for high-dose chemotherapy in patients with metastatic or high-risk primary breast cancer. We continue to encourage participation in innovative clinical studies.
Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, 3400 Spruce Street-16 Penn Tower, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Renee M
RM
Gerrero
Steven
S
Stein
Edward A
EA
Stadtmauer
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans