Sequential dose-dense single agent chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer

Abstract

Chemotherapy of breast cancer is still the area of intensive research. Based on mathematical model of tumor cell growth kinetics, articulated by Larry Norton, novel concept of chemotherapy in breast cancer was launched and it implies dose-densification of chemotherapy trough the use of sequential non cross-resistant single agents or regimens. The introduction of primary systemic chemotherapy (PST) improved the outcome of patients with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Simultaneous PST is the standard approach to patients with LABC nowadays. On the other hand, many studies using two most active cytotoxic drugs in primary breast cancer, anthracyclines and taxanes showed that sequential dose-dense single agent PST could be superior in terms of enhancing the rates of patients suitable for conservative surgery. In the light of this data, based on the results of the new clinical trials we will discuss merits and demerits of using sequential dose-dense single agent chemotherapy in LABC.