Recent advances in adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To review recent studies that may influence the adjuvant treatment of patients with breast cancer. Studies reviewed evaluate the role of aromatase inhibitors, incorporation of taxanes into chemotherapy regimens, novel dosage schedules, and supportive care with epoetin alfa.


METHODS
Published literature and clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Recent evidence suggests that aromatase inhibitors are more effective than tamoxifen as hormonal adjuvant therapy and that the addition of taxanes to adjuvant chemotherapy improves outcome. Supportive care is also an important component of therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of recent advances in adjuvant therapy for breast cancer will contribute to greater efficacy in patient care.
Palmieri
Frances M
FM
Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Perez
Edith A
EA
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000451:nursing; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000592:standards; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D013629:Tamoxifen