title: Combination of docetaxel and doxorubicin as first-line chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer.
abstract: Docetaxel (Taxotere) and doxorubicin have previously demonstrated a significant antitumor activity in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Furthermore, a lack of cross resistance and overlapping toxicities between the two agents have been reported. In a prospective study, docetaxel (80 mg/m2, 1-hr iv infusion) and doxorubicin (60 mg/m2, 1-hr iv infusion) were administered as first-line chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer patients to evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of the combination. Forty-three patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 47 years (range, 30-69). The docetaxel-doxorubicin combination was applied with 3-week intervals until progression. Complete response was achieved in 9 (21.4%) of 42 assessable patients and partial response in 24 (57.2%) patients, for an overall response rate of 78.6%. Median response duration was 8 months (3-18 months). Nausea and vomiting (76%), alopecia (64%), neutropenia (35.7%) and mucositis (33%) were the major side effects of the combination. There was one case of cardiac toxicity. In conclusion, the docetaxel-doxorubicin protocol can be considered as an active regimen for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer with acceptable toxicity and a fairly high response rate.
authors.affiliation: Hacettepe University Institute of Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baltali
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ozişik
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Güler
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Firat
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Altundağ
mesh_terms: D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D043823:Taxoids; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004317:Doxorubicin; D017239:Paclitaxel