Strategies to Improve Treatment of Recurrent Breast Cancer

This content has been reviewed and approved by

William J. Gradishar, MD FACP
Director, Breast Medical Oncology, Professor of Medicine
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
 

Researchers are currently investigating new treatments for recurrent breast cancer. Participation in trials of these treatments will lead to improved therapies. If you wish to participate in a clinical trial, please talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and side effects of the treatment.

The following are areas of active study aimed at improving the treatment of recurrent breast cancer.

  • New targeted therapies, including epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), such as Tarceva® (erlotinib)
  • Advances in chemotherapy, such as Camptosar® (irinotecan)
  • Photodynamic therapy (use of a chemical that destroys only cancer cells when they are exposed to a certain type of light)

Phase I Clinical Trials

New cancer treatments are developed and studied in phase I clinical trials. The purpose of these trials is to determine the best way to give the new treatments and if they are effective against cancer. To find information about cancer trials that are run by the National Cancer Institute, call the NCI Information Service's toll-free number: 800-422-6237, or go to http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials.

This content was last reviewed August 15, 2010 by Dr. Reshma L. Mahtani.
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