Activity of combination chemotherapy, docetaxel and epirubicin as neoadjuvant therapy for women with breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
This study assesses the efficacy of epirubicin and docetaxel as neoadjuvant therapy for women with breast cancer.


METHODS
This is a single institution, single arm, phase II study of epirubicin given at 75 mg/m(2) and docetaxel at 75 mg/m(2) every three weeks for four cycles prior to surgical excision in women with large breast cancers. Pegfilgrastim was routinely administered as primary prophylaxis against febrile neutropenia.


RESULTS
Out of the 18 patients enrolled on the study, 12 (66.7%) had a clinical response and 13 (72.2%) had a pathologic response, with a pathologic complete response of 5.6%. Pre-menopausal women and patients with estrogen receptor positive tumors had a higher response rate. One patient died due to sepsis and febrile neutropenia.


CONCLUSIONS
Combination chemotherapy with epirubicin and docetaxel is highly active against breast cancer. With close monitoring for toxicity, this combination can be safely administered with mild side-effects.
Tfayli
Arafat
A
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 920 SL Young WP 2080, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
Holter
Jennifer
J
Bova
Abby
A
Venkatappa
Siddhartha
S
Bullock
Susie
S
Dooley
William
W
Ozer
Howard
H
D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D000077143:Docetaxel; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D015251:Epirubicin