In the last decades, the constant and relevant advances in genetics and
molecular biology profoundly changed our knowledge on etiopathology, origin and
progression of breast cancer disease. The different spread of program screenings,
environmental and lifestyles changes have variously affected the epidemiology of
disease in the different geographic areas. In the meanwhile, many new drugs have been
experimented and entered into clinical practice. Thus, all the main aspects of the
disease are continuously involved and need a regular updating. This chapter faces up
with this difficult task and all the issues are discussed taking into account the most
important scientific contributions in the field. The first part of the chapter is devoted to
epidemiology, etiopathology and origin of the disease; thereafter it focuses on medical
treatment and presents the current common lines of therapy in the different settings
with particular reference to the more recent target therapies. As to this, the currently
proposed treatments to overcome the occurrence of “de novo” or acquired resistance
are also described. The last section discusses further innovative biological approaches
and suggests a strategy for a more successful antitumoral immune manipulation.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Cytotoxic therapy, Endocrine therapy, Epidemiology,
Etiopathology, Molecular profiling, New agents, Target therapy.
