Klin Farmakol Farm. 2007;21(3):103-113

Current options and new perspectives of systemic therapy of breast cancer

Luboš Petruželka

Onkologická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze

Breast cancer is a clinically heterogeneous disease, and existing histological classifications do not fully capture the varied clinical course of this disease. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and DNA microarrays led to novel risk stratification methods and to new molecular classification of breast cancer. There are many approaches to the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, including chemotherapy agents, endocrine therapies and newer targeted drugs (trastuzumab, bevacizumab and lapatinib). One of the most exciting developments of the past 2 decades has been the demonstration of improved disease-free and overall survival for the addition of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab when added to chemotherapy for patients with HER2-positive, early-stage breast cancer. Key data have also been presented on the role of aromatase inhibitors as endocrine therapy in the management of postmenopausal patients.

Keywords: breast cancer, molecular classification, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, neoadjuvant, adjuvant, metastatic disease

Published: January 1, 2008  Show citation