Estramustine: What is its place in 2010 in metastatic breast cancer? [Estramustine : Quelle place en 2010 dans le cancer du sein métastatique ?]

摘要

Management of breast cancer remains difficult, especially in themetastatic phase. Estramustine may represent an additional therapeutic option, due to an appropriate mechanism of action and significant results in phase II trials: an objective response was obtained in 17.5-47% of cases, with estramustine alone or in combination with docetaxel in advanced metastatic cancers. In addition, estramustine is administered orally and its cost is low. Further studies are mandatory to assess this drug in association with targeted therapies and optimize the benefit/risk ratio, in defining the best prophylactic strategy to decrease the incidence of thrombotic events.