title: Choosing between endocrine therapy and chemotherapy--or is there a role for combination therapy?
abstract: Results from many randomized trials of adjuvant breast cancer therapy have been presented in several overviews and at subsequent meetings. This manuscript reviews the current status of both chemo- and endocrine therapy and the prospects for combination therapy, as summarized at the NIH and St Gallen Consensus meetings. In conclusion, treatment selection should be based primarily on endocrine responsiveness; however, a collaborative approach involving the development of new agents and investigation of their optimal integration into therapy programs will ensure progress and improved patient care.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D015975:Consensus Development Conferences, NIH as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009376:Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen