Therapeutic options for metastatic breast cancer.
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) remains an incurable disease despite ongoing therapeutic advances. Recently there has been progress extending the range of available cytotoxic chemotherapy drugs and optimizing their scheduling. In addition, a greater understanding of tumor biology has led to the development of a number of targeted therapies. Several of these newer agents, such as trastuzumab, lapatinib and bevacizumab, have demonstrated activity in combination with chemotherapy and have improved the prognosis of patients with MBC. We hope that further progress elucidating the pathophysiology and biology of MBC will continue to lead to corresponding advances in treatment.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Breast Cancer Medicine Service, NY 10065, New York, USA.
Patrick G
PG
Morris
Heather L
HL
McArthur
Clifford A
CA
Hudis
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015996:Survival Rate / Q000639:trends; D000068878:Trastuzumab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000068878:Trastuzumab