ABSTRACT
We report on the case of a patient with a diagnosis of an uncommon breast tumour, namely a radiation-induced angiosarcoma, which was primarily refractory to anthracycline-based chemotherapy, but highly sensitive to docetaxel. Although the sarcomas in general tend to be relatively refractory to taxanes, there is some evidence that the angiosarcomas may be sensitive to these agents. This is particularly well documented with paclitaxel, but may also be the case with docetaxel.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/therapeutic use , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/etiology , Hemangiosarcoma/drug therapy , Hemangiosarcoma/etiology , Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced/drug therapy , Taxoids/therapeutic use , Aged , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Cyclophosphamide/administration & dosage , Docetaxel , Drug Resistance, Neoplasm , Epirubicin/administration & dosage , Female , Fluorouracil/administration & dosage , Humans , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Elderly patients are more likely to present with locally advanced breast cancer than younger patients. Furthermore, due to the accelerated aging of the western population, the incidence of breast cancer in this population is expected to steadily rise in the coming decades. So far, no guidelines are available for the management of octogenarian patients presenting with inoperable disease, what frequently results in a dilemma for the treating physician. For the time being, these patients should be ideally treated within the context of a clinical trial. In all other cases, the treatment has to be individualised, frequently based on data extrapolated from different population of patients, or retrospective series. This article reviews the current evidence, options, and most promising approaches for these patients.