Clinical breast cancer
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Clinical breast cancer · Dec 2003
ReviewPegylated liposomal doxorubicin in the treatment of breast cancer.
Anthracyclines, particularly conventional doxorubicin, play an important role in the treatment of breast cancer, both in the adjuvant and metastatic settings. However, the benefits of conventional doxorubicin in terms of antitumor activity are limited by its therapeutic index. Liposomal formulations were developed to increase the therapeutic index of conventional doxorubicin. ⋯ Small studies also suggest a role for pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer. Preliminary results suggest that pegylated liposomal doxorubicin may be safely administered in combination with docetaxel and trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive disease. Owing to its comparable efficacy and favorable safety profile, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin may be a useful alternative to conventional doxorubicin, as well as other agents commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer.