Clinical Report: Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Angiogenesis Inhibitors in Breast Cancer
Overview
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the impact of combining angiogenesis inhibitors with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in early-stage breast cancer. The findings show an increase in the pathological complete response (pCR) rate, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), while no improvements were observed in disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS).
Background
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, and its progression is closely linked to angiogenesis. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a critical treatment strategy that aims to shrink tumors before surgery, but challenges such as drug resistance and poor drug delivery persist. The exploration of angiogenesis inhibitors in this context seeks to enhance treatment efficacy and improve patient outcomes.
Data Highlights
Outcome
NACT with Angiogenesis Inhibitors
NACT without Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Pathological Complete Response (pCR)
29.88%
22.59%
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (pCR)
42.46%
32.42%
Key Findings
NACT with angiogenesis inhibitors significantly increased the pCR rate (29.88% vs. 22.59%).
No significant improvement in pCR was observed among hormone receptor-positive patients.
In triple-negative breast cancer, the pCR rate was significantly elevated (42.46% vs. 32.42%).
No significant differences were found in disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) between the two treatment groups.
Current research lacks consensus on the impact of angiogenesis inhibitors on OS.
There is a need for clear biomarkers to predict treatment efficacy.
Clinical Implications
The findings indicate that the addition of angiogenesis inhibitors like bevacizumab can enhance pCR rates in certain breast cancer subtypes, particularly TNBC, but further research is necessary to understand the implications for survival outcomes.
Conclusion
The combination of angiogenesis inhibitors with neoadjuvant chemotherapy shows promise in improving pCR rates, especially in TNBC, but does not currently translate to better survival outcomes. Ongoing research is essential to clarify the role of these agents in breast cancer treatment.
