Current Research Status of Metronomic Chemotherapy in Combination Treatment of Breast Cancer

Oncol Res Treat. 2022;45(11):681-692. doi: 10.1159/000526481. Epub 2022 Aug 19.

Abstract

Background: Metronomic chemotherapy (MCT), termed sustained low-dose administration with minimal toxicity, is a new modality of conventional chemotherapy, a verified therapy alternative, and has acquired significant recognition and interest in oncology. Numerous clinical trials of MCT in combination with other treatments, including targeted therapies, biologics, and endocrine therapy, are in progress to obtain better results.

Summary: We comprehensively described the clinical benefits of MCT in combination with other treatments in different molecular subtypes of breast cancer and assessed the feasibility of its adoption in varying phases of treatment. Due to the promising preclinical and clinical investigations, it is expected that MCT in combination with other treatments will enhance the advantages of this strategy and apply it to clinical practice.

Key message: MCT, in combination with other therapeutic interventions, will fully exploit the benefits of this strategy, ushering in a new paradigm in oncology treatment and driving the transformation of cancer into a more manageable chronic disease using newly developed treatment approaches.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Combination treatment; Metronomic chemotherapy; Molecular subtype.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans

Grants and funding

The authors have no relevant financial or nonfinancial interests to disclose.