title: Neoadjuvant therapy in the treatment of breast cancer.
abstract: Neoadjuvant systemic therapy in breast cancer treatment was initially utilized for inoperable disease. However, several randomized prospective studies have demonstrated comparable survival with adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage, operable breast cancer while also decreasing tumor size facilitating breast conservation without significant increases in local recurrence. Response to therapy can predict outcome, with improved survival associated with pathologic complete response (pCR). Triple negative and HER2-positive subtypes show increased pCR rates. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary with neoadjuvant treatment. This can improve rates of breast conservation, provide insights into tumor biology and predict patient outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Mediget
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Teshome
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: khunt@mdanderson.org.
authors.forename: Kelly K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Hunt
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D018734:Genes, erbB-2 / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D015412:Mastectomy, Segmental; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D043823:Taxoids
keywords: Breast cancer; Neoadjuvant chemotherapy; Pathologic complete response; Preoperative chemotherapy