The NAME trial: a direct comparison of classical oral Navelbine versus Metronomic Navelbine in metastatic breast cancer.

Chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is in general given in cycles of maximum tolerated doses to potentially maximize the therapeutic outcome. However, when compared with targeted therapies for MBC, conventional and dose intensified chemotherapy has caused only modest survival benefits during the recent decades, often compromising the quality of life considerably. Navelbine is an antineoplastic agent that has shown efficacy in the treatment of a variety of cancer types, including breast cancer.

Sensitivity of CA 15-3, CEA and serum HER2 in the early detection of recurrence of breast cancer.

Background: The aim of this project was to investigate the sensitivity of CA 15-3, CEA and HER2 in the early diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer.

Methods: Serial serum values of CA 15-3, CEA and HER2 were determined in 107 patients with recurrence after breast cancer. Fifteen of the patients had primary disseminated disease, nine patients only developed local recurrence during the follow-up period and the remaining 83 developed distant metastases.