Systemic Treatment for Breast Cancer: Chemotherapy and Biotherapy Agents

ObjectivesTo describe current systemic chemotherapy and biotherapy breast cancer treatments to better inform clinical nursing practice.Data SourcesCINAHLl, Medline, Academic Research Periodicals, PubMed Clinical Queries, CANCERLIT, and EBM Reviews–Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR).ConclusionSystemic therapeutic options for patients with breast cancer can be complex and varied. Furthermore, the guidelines for the treatment of breast cancer are frequently changing as new chemotherapies and biotherapies are being developed.Implications for Nursing PracticeNursing clinical practice has to remain current to accommodate new treatments and the side effect profiles. This knowledge is essential to providing evidence-based care for breast cancer patients receiving these treatments.