Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy for Breast Cancer
Year: 2002
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: To this day, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation therapy remain the main forms of treatment for breast cancer. Although these approaches reduce the risk of death and can induce complete remissions in most patients, many tumors will recur as metastatic lesions. In recent years, novel therapies have been developed that work independently or in conjunction with conventional treatments to minimize side effects and enhance therapeutic efficacy. At least two areas have emerged in which the biology of breast cancer is most likely to have a therapeutic impact. The first area involves growth factors and their receptors, the second revolves around neoangiogenesis. In addition, cell- and gene-based approaches are being evaluated in the clinic that have either a direct tumoricidal function or act by stimulating the immune system against the patient’s own tumor cells. This chapter reviews the current status of these new therapies and some of the new products that are being evaluated for clinical toxicity and preliminary efficacy.
Source: Humana Press eBooks
Authors: Daniela Santoli, Sophie Visonneau
Language: English
Subfield: Cancer Research
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W56010917