TY - JOUR
T1 - The neoadjuvant approach in breast cancer treatment
T2 - It is not just about chemotherapy anymore
AU - Caudle, Abigail S.
AU - Hunt, Kelly K.
PY - 2011/2
Y1 - 2011/2
N2 - Purpose of Review: Although the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) in breast cancer was once reserved for patients with locally advanced disease or inflammatory breast cancers, it is increasingly used in patients with early-stage tumors. This review outlines the pertinent research in the field over the last year and discusses the clinical implications. Recent Findings: The present review will focus on three evolving areas in the neoadjuvant research field: factors determining response, use of endocrine and biologic therapies, and how to manage patients following response. Summary: NCT in breast cancer is a remarkable research platform providing insight into tumor biology and treatment efficacy in an expedited timeframe. Refining patient selection based on tumor and patient characteristics allows clinicians to limit potentially toxic therapy to those patients expected to receive the greatest benefit. Additionally, exploring new agents and sequencing of regimens based on these characteristics has great potential for impacting local-regional and systemic outcomes. Lastly, as the population of patients undergoing NCT grows, we must constantly adjust our treatment paradigms. We need to monitor them carefully and accurately, understand the implication of a treated tumor for future therapy, and determine how much additional therapy is necessary.
AB - Purpose of Review: Although the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) in breast cancer was once reserved for patients with locally advanced disease or inflammatory breast cancers, it is increasingly used in patients with early-stage tumors. This review outlines the pertinent research in the field over the last year and discusses the clinical implications. Recent Findings: The present review will focus on three evolving areas in the neoadjuvant research field: factors determining response, use of endocrine and biologic therapies, and how to manage patients following response. Summary: NCT in breast cancer is a remarkable research platform providing insight into tumor biology and treatment efficacy in an expedited timeframe. Refining patient selection based on tumor and patient characteristics allows clinicians to limit potentially toxic therapy to those patients expected to receive the greatest benefit. Additionally, exploring new agents and sequencing of regimens based on these characteristics has great potential for impacting local-regional and systemic outcomes. Lastly, as the population of patients undergoing NCT grows, we must constantly adjust our treatment paradigms. We need to monitor them carefully and accurately, understand the implication of a treated tumor for future therapy, and determine how much additional therapy is necessary.
KW - breast cancer
KW - neoadjuvant chemotherapy
KW - tumor response
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=78651443057&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1097/GCO.0b013e3283416477
DO - 10.1097/GCO.0b013e3283416477
M3 - Article
C2 - 21124221
AN - SCOPUS:78651443057
SN - 1040-872X
VL - 23
SP - 31
EP - 36
JO - Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology
JF - Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology
IS - 1
ER -