Metronomic Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: Unleashing the Potential of Combination Regimens

Abstract

This review examines the future of metronomic chemotherapy (MCT) in the treatment of breast cancer and emphasizes its transformative potential. MCT refers to the continuous administration of a low dose of chemotherapeutic agents. It reduces toxicity, improves the quality of life, and demonstrates antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms. Although used as a stand-alone treatment for breast cancer, MCT has been combined with other therapies in recent years to further enhance its antitumor efficacy through mechanisms such as direct cytotoxicity, anti-angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. The findings of recent studies emphasize the benefits of MCT in combination with immunotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapies such as anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and anti-angiogenesis agents. Clinical trials on optimizing MCT regimens are underway. MCT is a promising approach that can revolutionize breast cancer treatment by improving patient outcomes and shifting cancer care toward a chronic disease model.