Brustkrebs: Mortalitätsreduktion durch Früherkennung und adjuvante Therapie

The reduction of breast cancer mortality, which is also observable in Germany, is mainly attributed to the improvement in adjuvant therapy, since a nationwide breast cancer screening program has not been implemented for this period (19902004). However, further improvement will be expected after the introduction of a screening program. Notably, the implementation of breast units associated with predefined structural and qualitative demands, as well as the assembly and use of guidelines has changed treatment on an evidence based approach. The paradigm shift in adjuvant therapy is hallmarked by molecular findings and the development of appropriate targeting drugs. An essential prerequisite for the optimal use of those drugs, however, is a quality managed assessment of the respective target, as well as the identification of new predictive and prognostic markers. New study concepts have to account for this progress, since empirical strategies do not longer meet the modern requirements of oncology.