A review of therapeutic agents for breast cancer with potentially radiosensitizing properties

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumor in women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death. Radiotherapy for breast cancer is readily accepted and widely used in clinical practice. Potential limitations with radiotherapy include treatment resistance, side effects, and complications caused by high doses of irradiation. The search has been on to locate an efficacious radiosensitizer. This review summarizes six currently approved pharmaceuticals that have also been investigated for off-label use as radiosensitizers in breast cancer.