Does chemotherapy-induced neutropaenia result in a postponement of adjuvant or neoadjuvant regimens in breast cancer patients? Results of a retrospective analysis.
In 2005, 224 patients received adjuvant/neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer in a single institution according to daily practices. Regimens consisted of epirubicin-based chemotherapy (FEC100, four or six cycles), or three cycles of FEC100 followed by three cycles of docetaxel. An absolute blood count was carried out every 3 weeks, 1-3 days before planned chemotherapy cycle. Overall, 1238 cycles were delivered. An absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <1.5 x 10(9) l(-1) before planned chemotherapy was found in 171 cycles. Of these, 130 cycles (76%) were delivered as planned regardless of whether ANC levels recovered, and 41 (24%) were delayed. None of these patients developed a febrile neutropaenia. Haematopoietic support (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)) was required in 12 cycles. We found that the majority of patients with an ANC <1.5 x 10(9) l(-1) before planned chemotherapy received planned doses, without complications and need for G-CSF.
Debled
M
M
Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Bergonié, Bordeaux, France. debled@bergonie.org
Houédé
N
N
Madranges
N
N
Donamaria
C
C
Floquet
A
A
Durand
M
M
Mauriac
Louis
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage
D043823:Taxoids; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D000077143:Docetaxel; D015251:Epirubicin