title: Docetaxel and epirubicin as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic breast cancer: a Minnie Pearl Cancer Research Network Phase II trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Taxanes and anthracyclines are the two most active classes of cytotoxic agents in the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Epirubicin, a doxorubicin analog, has shown modest toxicity advantages when compared to the parent compound. In this Phase II trial, we evaluated the activity and toxicity of a docetaxel/epirubicin combination.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with previously untreated metastatic breast cancer were treated with docetaxel 60 mg/m2 one-hour IV infusion and epirubicin 90 mg/m2 IV bolus; both drugs were repeated at 21-day intervals. Patients were evaluated for response after 2 courses of treatment; responding and stable patients continued treatment for a total of 6 courses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen patients (50 percent) had objective response to treatment; an additional 20 percent of patients had stable disease of more then 6 months duration. The median and 2-year progression-free survivals were 12 months and 34 percent, respectively. Median and 2-year overall survivals were 18 months and 42 percent, respectively. Myelosuppression was the most common Grade 3/4 toxicity, and 2 patients in this trial (6 percent) had treatment-related mortality associated with severe sepsis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this Phase II trial confirm previous observations regarding the efficacy and toxicity profile of the docetaxel/epirubicin combination. This combination has activity similar to other taxane/anthracycline combinations used in the first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
authors.affiliation: Sarah Cannon Research Institute and Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. jhainsworth@tnonc.com
authors.forename: John D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Hainsworth
authors.forename: Denise A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Yardley
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Spigel
authors.forename: Anthony A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Meluch
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rinaldi
authors.forename: Frederick M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Schnell
authors.forename: F Anthony
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Greco
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D000077143:Docetaxel; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D015251:Epirubicin