Randomized comparison of two combination chemotherapy regimens containing doxorubicin in patients with metastatic breast cancer: a Western Cancer Study Group trial.
Ninety-six patients with metastatic breast cancer were entered in a prospectively randomized trial comparing a five-drug doxorubicin (Adriamycin)-containing regimen given in two different schedules. Both regimens included cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-FU, prednisone, and doxorubicin. On one schedule, referred to as "combination" treatment, doxorubicin was given every 21 days and cyclophosphamide was given daily. On the less intensive "fixed-rotation" schedule, doxorubicin was given on alternative cycles every 42 days and cyclophosphamide was given for 21 days of the 42-day cycle. Response frequency and survival were comparable among patients receiving either regimen. Significantly less (P < 0.05) nausea and leukopenia occurred on the fixed-rotation schedule. Therefore, similar therapeutic benefit along with decreased toxicity was obtained by use of combination chemotherapy involving doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide given in the less intensive schedule.
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004317:Doxorubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D005472:Fluorouracil; D008727:Methotrexate