Metronomic chemotherapy combined with endocrine therapy: are we challenging some dogmas?

INTRODUCTION metronomic chemotherapy exerts its effects via inhibition of angiogenesis, immune modulation of the tumoral stroma, induction of senescence and apoptosis of tumor cells. Due to its favorable toxicity profile and its oral administration, metronomic chemotherapy arises as a promising alternative to be combined with endocrine therapy for the treatment of patients with luminal breast cancer. AREAS COVERED the present manuscript reviews the rationale supporting the combination of metronomic chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, discussing the studies that evaluated this regimen in the treatment of early-stage and metastatic breast cancer patients. Finally, we conclude by providing an expert opinion on the current role and perspectives for the combination of metronomic chemotherapy and endocrine therapy in the management of patients with luminal breast cancer. EXPERT OPINION retrospective series and early-phase clinical trials have shown promising signs of activity and a favorable toxicity profile with this regimen, which warrants further investigation as a treatment option for luminal breast cancer patients.