Major Advance in Breast-Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Fifteen years after surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were shown to be of value in mice with spontaneous breast cancer,¹ properly designed trials in the human disease now show dramatic effects. Formerly, the physician served by waiting until the surgeon discovered clinically evident metastasis, before treatment (foredestined to be palliative) was initiated. This system has been replaced by a wholly new, early collaborative approach.Elsewhere in this issue of the Journal Bonadonna et al. report a work of monumental importance. The foundations for this advance are fourfold, the first being an understanding that breast cancer is fundamentally not a local disease. . . .