Links to NCI Materials
High-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow or stem cell transplantation for the treatment of advanced and early-stage breast cancer has been tested in several large, randomized clinical trials sponsored by the NCI, as well as in trials done in other countries. In all of the NCI-sponsored randomized trials, and in most of the international ones, high-dose chemotherapy with transplantation has not proven superior to treatment with more standard doses of chemotherapy. Therefore, at this time, high-dose chemotherapy is not recommended for the treatment of breast cancer outside of clinical trials.
- High-Dose Chemotherapy with Stem Cell Transplantation: Still No Clear Benefit
(Posted: 07/14/2003, Reviewed: 04/12/2005) - Two studies published in the July 3, 2003, New England Journal of Medicine examined the benefits of high-dose chemotherapy with stem-cell transplantation for women at high risk of a breast cancer relapse. In both studies, a subgroup of women who underwent the experimental procedure experienced a significant delay in recurrence compared to women who received standard therapy, but they did not ultimately live any longer. - High-Dose Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: Clinical Trials Overview
(Posted: 04/27/2001, Reviewed: 04/12/2005) - In the mid- to late-1990s, multiple clinical trials were begun around the world to compare the effectiveness of high-dose chemotherapy and blood cell transplant with a standard treatment for various stages of breast cancer. - High-Dose Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer: History
(Posted: 04/26/2001, Reviewed: 04/12/2005) - A background article summarizing the history and state of the science of the procedure. - Survey Shows Most Women Willing to Consider High-Dose Chemotherapy Studies
(Posted: 05/19/2000, Reviewed: 04/12/2005) - According to a spring 2000 survey, the public appears to be supportive of clinical trials examining high-dose chemotherapy with autologous bone marrow transplant as a treatment for breast cancer.
