A phase II study of primary dose-dense sequential doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide and docetaxel in cT4 breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
Dose-dense chemotherapy with anthracyclines and taxanes has improved either disease free survival or overall survival in high risk patients with early breast cancer.


METHODS
The activity and safety of a dose-dense schedule (q14 days) of adriamycin 60 mg/sqm and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/sqm (AC) x 4 cycles followed by docetaxel 75 mg/sqm for 4 cycles with hematopoietic support in patients with stage IIIB breast cancer was explored. Patients with ER > or =10% tumors received concomitant endocrine therapy with 3-month triptorelin and letrozole.


RESULTS
Fifteen patients with histologically proven cT4b (three patients) and cT4d (twelve patients) M0 breast cancer were enrolled. Median age was 48 years (range 25-66). Eight clinical responses including one pathological complete remission (pCR), three stable disease (including minor responses) and four progression of disease, one during AC and three during taxotere, were observed. Four patients had grade 3-4 non hematological toxicities and all except one discontinued treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to the high rate of progressive disease, this schedule should not represent a standard option in cT4 breast cancer.
Torrisi
R
R
Medical Senology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Via Ripamonti 435, 20141, Milan, Italy. rosalba.torrisi@ieo.it
Orlando
L
L
Ghisini
R
R
Veronesi
P
P
Intra
M
M
Rocca
A
A
Balduzzi
A
A
Cardillo
A
A
Goldhirsch
A
A
Colleoni
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004317:Doxorubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide