Endocrine therapy in breast cancer: the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and metastatic approach.

OBJECTIVES: To review the rationale for endocrine therapy in the neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and metastatic breast cancer setting and to highlight clinical considerations unique to this treatment. DATA SOURCES: Contemporary literature, clinical guidelines, and national statistics. CONCLUSION: Endocrine therapy represents an important strategy in the management of both early and advanced hormone positive breast cancer. Additional research is required to better define the role of neoadjuvant therapy and the optimal duration of treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses play a pivotal role in the identification and management of endocrine therapy-associated symptoms. Prompt symptom intervention may improve therapy adherence and ultimately, may improve long-term disease outcomes.