Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON ANTICANCER PHARMACOTHERAPY FOR BREAST CANCER

Sakshi Landge*, Dr. Amita Dongare, Prof. Vaishali Jagtap

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy worldwide and represents a major pharmacological and public health challenge due to its molecular heterogeneity and development of drug resistance. Conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, although effective, is associated with significant systemic toxicity and limited specificity. Objective: This review critically evaluates the transition from conventional chemotherapy to precision-based anticancer pharmacotherapy in breast cancer, with emphasis on endocrine therapy, targeted agents, antibody–drug conjugates, and emerging molecular therapies. Key Findings: Advances in molecular classification and pharmacogenomics have enabled the development of highly specific therapies, including CDK4/6 inhibitors, HER2- targeted monoclonal antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, PARP inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, and oral selective estrogen receptor degraders. These therapies have significantly improved survival outcomes while reducing treatment-related toxicity in selected patient subgroups. Conclusion: The overarching conclusion of this review is that the future of oncology lies in the "de-escalation" of therapy—reducing the intensity of treatment without compromising the cure rate. By utilizing predictive biomarkers and high-efficiency targeted agents, we can spare patients from the debilitating side effects of traditional chemotherapy (such as alopecia, myelosuppression, and cardiotoxicity). This shift represents a fundamental change in the pharmacist's role, moving toward the management of highly specific drug-drug interactions and the monitoring of sophisticated biological therapies.

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