Neoadjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer

Article By:

Seitelman, Eric D. Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.

Bear, Harry D. Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.

Last reviewed:2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB130067

The term neoadjuvant is used to describe therapy given prior to a planned surgical resection of a cancer with curative intent. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) has been explored in many different types of neoplasms, with varying success. Historically, breast cancer has been managed with primary surgery, followed by adjuvant (postoperative) chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and/or radiation to decrease the chance of locoregional (restricted to a localized region of the body) and distant recurrence. NST for breast cancer was initially used to treat locally advanced breast cancer, which was considered inoperable. More recently, it has been increasingly applied to less advanced, operable breast cancer, and clinical trials have shown that it provides a range of benefits.

The content above is only an excerpt.