Preclinical and clinical data have demonstrated that up-regulation of tumor cell VEGF is an important mechanism to subvert estrogen dependence in hormone responsive breast cancer resulting in reduced therapy response or tumor resistance to hormonal therapy; thus, it is hypothesized that the combination of an anti-VEGF agent (Avastin, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody) and hormonal therapy should be more effective than hormonal therapy alone for the treatment of breast cancer.
This purpose of this trial is to show that the combination of Avastin and hormone therapy should be more effective than hormone therapy alone for the treatment of breast cancer.