Weekly paclitaxel combined with local hyperthermia in the therapy of breast cancer locally recurrent after mastectomy--a pilot experience.
BACKGROUND
The combination of chemotherapy and hyperthermia (HT) is a promising approach in the treatment of malignant tumors. In the present report we evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a combination of weekly paclitaxel combined with local hyperthermia in breast cancer.


METHODS
7 patients were treated for inoperable local recurrence of breast cancer after mastectomy, irradiation, and chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. They weekly received paclitaxel (60-80 mg/m(2)) in 3-h infusions followed by local HT 41-44 degrees C for 45 min for 6-18 cycles.


RESULTS
Objective local response was observed in all treated patients (complete response in 4 patients and partial response in 3 patients). There were no grade 3 or 4 toxicities, neurologic toxicity or hypersensitivity reactions. Local tolerance to this regimen was also good, with only 4 patients developing mild transient erythema.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience indicates that the combination of weekly paclitaxel and HT may be effective in the treatment of locally recurrent breast cancer after mastectomy.
Zoul
Z
Z
Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Charles University Medical School Teaching Hospital, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. zoul@fnhk.cz
Filip
S
S
Melichar
B
B
Dvorák
J
J
Odrázka
K
K
Petera
J
J
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D044584:Carcinoma, Ductal / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010166:Palliative Care; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D017239:Paclitaxel