Epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel as primary systemic chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and toxicity of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (EC) followed by docetaxel as primary systemic chemotherapy (PST) in locally advanced breast cancer.


METHODS
In this phase II trial, 46 patients with locally advanced breast cancer (T > 3 cm or N > 1) received epirubicin (90 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (600 mg/m2) every 3 weeks for four cycles, followed by docetaxel (70 mg/m2) every 3 weeks for four cycles. Primary endpoints were pathological and objective response in the breast and axilla, and toxicities.


RESULTS
The clinical response rate was 80.4% (95% confidence interval, 68.9-91.9%). Pathological response evaluation revealed 6 complete responses (CR: 13.0%). Patients with ER-negative tumors had a significantly higher rate of pathological CR than the others (33.3% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.0105). Febrile neutropenia occurred in 4 patients (8.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
EC followed by docetaxel is an active and well-tolerated treatment as PST for locally advanced breast cancer.
Hirano
Akira
A
Departments of Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Tokyo 116-8567, Japan.
Shimizu
Tadao
T
Watanabe
Osamu
O
Kinoshita
Jun
J
Kimura
Kiyomi
K
Kamimura
Mari
M
Domoto
Kaoru
K
Aiba
Motohiko
M
Ogawa
Kenji
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage
D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D015251:Epirubicin; D003520:Cyclophosphamide