High efficacy and low toxicity of weekly docetaxel given as first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
Docetaxel is one of the most effective antitumor agents currently available for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This phase II multicenter study prospectively analyzed the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel given on a weekly schedule as first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer.


METHODS
All patients received docetaxel, 35 mg/m(2) weekly for 6 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of rest. Subsequent cycles (3 weeks of treatment, 2 weeks of rest) were given until a maximum of 5 cycles or disease progression. Premedication consisted of 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously 30 min prior to the infusion of docetaxel.


RESULTS
Fifty-four patients at a median age of 58 years with previously untreated MBC were included in the study. A median of 10 doses (median cumulative dose 339 mg/m(2)) was administered (range: 2-18). The overall response rate was 48.1% (95% CI: 34-61%, intent-to-treat). Median survival was 15.8 months and median time to progression was 5.9 months (intent-to-treat). Hematological toxicity was mild with absence of neutropenia-related complications. Grade 3 neutropenia was observed in 3.7% of patients and grade 3 and 4 anemia was observed in 5.6 and 1.9% of patients, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The weekly administration of docetaxel is highly efficient and safe as first-line treatment for MBC and may serve as an important treatment option specifically in elderly patients and patients with a reduced performance status.
Stemmler
J
J
Medical Department III, University of Munich, DE-81377 Munich, Germany.
Mair
W
W
Stauch
M
M
Papke
J
J
Deutsch
G
G
Abenhardt
W
W
Dorn
B
B
Kentenich
C
C
Malekmohammadi
M
M
Jackisch
C
C
Leinung
S
S
Brudler
O
O
Vehling-Kaiser
U
U
Stamp
J
J
Heinemann
V
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008875:Middle Aged; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016019:Survival Analysis; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel