Purpose: To evaluate efficacy and toxicity of high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search from January 1988 until July 1998 about the treatment of metastatic breast cancer with high dose chemotherapy was conducted.
Results: After HDCT the overall response rate was about 80%, with 50% of complete remissions. The median survival was > 18 months. Approximately 20% of the patients experienced long-term progression-free survival.
Conclusions: Although current results appear promising, randomised trials are required to determine the role of HDCT in the treatment of patients with MBC.