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High-Dose Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Support for Breast Cancer

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Abstract

To date, there is no definitive evidence that high-dose chemotherapy and haematopoietic stem cell support offers a survival advantage over conventional-dose chemotherapy for metastatic or high-risk primary breast cancer. Studies of metastatic disease discussed in this review have an adequate duration of follow-up given the short natural history of metastatic breast cancer. Thus, the results of these studies are unlikely to change with a longer observation period. On the other hand, studies of high-dose chemotherapy in the treatment of high-risk primary breast cancer need longer follow-up in light of the longer natural history of this type of disease. Results of unpublished studies and longer follow-up of available studies may still demonstrate a survival advantage for high-dose chemotherapy in patients with metastatic or high-risk primary breast cancer. We continue to encourage participation in innovative clinical studies.

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Acknowledgements

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this manuscript. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplant Program, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Philadelphia, USA

    Renee M. Gerrero, Steven Stein &  Edward A. Stadtmauer

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  1. Renee M. Gerrero
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  2. Steven Stein
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  3. Edward A. Stadtmauer
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Correspondence to Edward A. Stadtmauer.

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Gerrero, R.M., Stein, S. & Stadtmauer, E.A. High-Dose Chemotherapy and Stem Cell Support for Breast Cancer. Drugs Aging 19, 475–485 (2002). https://doi.org/10.2165/00002512-200219070-00001

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00002512-200219070-00001

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