Biological response modifiers in the management of patients with breast cancer

Despite impressive progress in understanding the biology of breast cancer, mechanisms of host defense, and the pathophysiology of the metastatic process, this burgeoning fact bank has made little impact on the management of patients with breast cancer. There are many interesting ideas for improved diagnosis and therapy in various stages of development, but few have actually translated into improved survival of patients with breast cancer. Potentially useful biological agents include cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, immunotoxins, vaccines, and adoptive cellular therapies. Therapies targetting growth factor receptors and the cellular machinery required for metastasis may become useful, especially when used in combination with other cytotoxic agents. Colony-stimulating factors may allow a test of the hypothesis that augmented dose-intensity of cytotoxic chemotherapy will cure more patients. Though we are not yet sure precisely how to use all of these new tools, there can be little doubt that their application will make a significant impact on the management of patients with breast cancer and other malignancies in the next decade.