Association of FokI and PvuII polymorphisms with breast cancer staging and survival among Caucasian women: a prospective study.

Purpose: Both vitamin D and estrogens play an important role in breast cell growth and differentiation. Therefore, we hypothesized that FokI polymorphism in the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene, as well as PvuII polymorphism in the Estrogen Receptor (ESR) gene might be associated with progression of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the association of these polymorphisms with histopathological features and prognosis among women with histologically proven breast cancer.

Gemcitabine in combination with vinorelbine for heavily pretreated advanced breast cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the activity and toxicity of gemcitabine and vinorelbine in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), previously treated with anthracyclines alone or with taxanes.

Patients And Methods: A total of 86 pretreated patients with MBC (median age 62 years), entered the study. Thirty-six patients had been pretreated with anthracyclines and 8 were resistant.

Third-line hormonal treatment with exemestane in postmenopausal patients with advanced breast cancer progressing on letrozole or anastrozole. A phase II trial conducted by the Hellenic Group of Oncology (HELGO).

Aims And Background: The understanding of hormonal therapies in postmenopausal women with metastatic breast cancer has advanced greatly in the past several decades. With the introduction of orally active, potent and selective third-generation aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane), approaches to the treatment of hormone-sensitive advanced breast cancer are undergoing reevaluation. For treatment of advanced or metastatic disease that has progressed on tamoxifen, all three agents are active.