He does add that the positive results of the smaller South Africa study should be considered. High-dose chemotherapy is five to 30 times higher than the standard dosage. This treatment has been successful in treating acute leukemia and lymphomas. The theory is that this approach might also work with breast cancer patients. But because the high dosage destroys bone marrow, it can be fatal if not supported by bone marrow transplant or additional blood stem cell support.
Bone marrow produces the body's essential white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.
Destroyed bone marrow is replaced with new, healthy marrow either taken from the patient prior to treatment or received from another person. Stem cells from the marrow circulate in the blood, can create more cells and restore bone marrow function. These treatments can shorten the recovery time from high-dose chemotherapy. Based on the preliminary data taken from all five studies, ASCO reports that it is not possible to draw definitive conclusions about the role of high dose chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. It also says it is too soon for insurance carriers to change their policies on the coverage of procedures for breast cancer treatment.