title: Rationale and design of a phase III trial of adjuvant sequential epirubicin/ cyclophosphamide and taxane versus concurrent epirubicin/taxane in operable node-positive breast cancer.
abstract: The sequential use of a doxorubicin combination followed by paclitaxel has been reported to improve disease-free and overall survival in patients with node-positive breast cancer beyond that obtained with doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide combinations. Epirubicin is associated with less cardiotoxicity than doxorubicin and can be used at cumulative dose levels or intensities that cannot be safely achieved with doxorubicin. Epirubicin/taxane combinations have exhibited significant activity when used in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Based on these safety and efficacy data, a phase III adjuvant trial will compare the efficacy of a concurrent epirubicin/taxane regimen with sequential epirubicin/cyclophosphamide followed by taxane treatment in patients with operable node-positive breast cancer.
authors.affiliation: Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida 32224, USA. perez.edith@mayo.edu
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Perez
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design; D016019:Survival Analysis; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D043823:Taxoids; D015251:Epirubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide