Primary Chemotherapy of Resectable Breast Cancer

Abstract: Primary chemotherapy (the administration of chemotherapy prior to definitive locoregional therapy) of breast cancer has numerous potential advantages and several identified disadvantages. While primary chemotherapy has been used widely in the treatment of locally advanced and inflammatory breast cancers, interest is now turning to its use in resectable breast cancers. Within the last five years, several trials of primary chemotherapy in the treatment of resectable breast cancer, both randomized and non‐randomized, have been published. Although preliminary reports suggest that primary chemotherapy may be advantageous, the results from definitive randomized trials are not yet available. Until they are, this approach, although promising, remains in the investigational stages.