NEW DRUGS IN BREAST-CANCER THERAPY - CURR ENT POSITION AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

In breast cancer the results of the meta-analysis of the Early Breast Cancer Collaborative Trialists' Group clearly proved a significant imp rovement of overall survival after systemic adjuvant treatment. These therapy benefits of the years 1970-1990 are significant but still rema in unsatisfactory concerning the high recurrence rates and low overall survival rates. Since 1990 many new active drugs and innovative thera py concepts have been developed. At present the new cytotoxic agents g emcitabine, vinorelbine and topotecan are being tested. Paclitaxel and docetaxel are being examined in combination therapy and in the adjuva nt setting. Selective aromatase inhibitors and new antigestagens and a ntiestrogens are endocrine drugs under investigation in advanced breas t cancer. Dose intensity concepts are performed safely due to growth f actors and peripheral stem cell support. A new therapeutic approach is the application of the humanized monoclonal antibody against the Cerb B-2 receptors of breast cancer cells. These new promising therapeutic approaches are under clinical investigation at present and are discuss ed in detail.