DOD-BCR: Chemotherapy Offers No Survival Advantage Over Endocrine Therapy But Demonstrates Greater Antitumor Activity ORLANDO, FL -- October 1, 2002 -- A review of nine published trials comparing the efficacy of endocrine therapy versus chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer indicates that while chemotherapy is associated with greater antitumour activity it offers no clear survival advantage. Moreover, Nicholas Wilcken, MD, staff specialist, Cochrane Breast Cancer Group, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia, said chemotherapy "is associated with greater toxicity and more impact on quality of life." He presented the results of the review here September 29 at the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program conference. His research team conducted a literature search to identify randomised trials of advanced breast cancer and identified 27 studies that were direct comparisons of chemotherapy versus endocrine therapy. Of these, nine studies were selected for systematic review. Endocrine therapies included tamoxifen, medroxy progesterone acetate, megestrol acetate and surgical ablation of ovarian or adrenal function. Chemotherapy regimens were usual combination therapy including alkylating agents, anthracyclines, and or antimetabolites. No studies including newer therapies, such as aromatase inhibitors or taxanes, where included, Dr. Wilcken said. [10/02/2002; Doctor's Guide] Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.