Systemic therapy for advanced breast cancer.
An intriguing, yet highly logical area of research for breast cancer therapy is the exploration of growth factor pathways. Areas of investigation include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) targeting. Although results of these studies to date have been less than promising, they have yielded important insights into critical factors that must be taken into consideration when devising growth factor-targeted therapies. Even though the results of EGFR and VEGF studies have not met with expectations, several preclinical models assessing new combinations of biologic agents with either hormonal therapy or chemotherapy are beginning to show promise.
Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-8852, USA.
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D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018450:Disease Progression; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000187:drug effects*
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D066246:ErbB Receptors