title: Weekly Paclitaxel plus Capecitabine versus Docetaxel Every 3 Weeks plus Capecitabine in Metastatic Breast Cancer.
abstract: Background. We performed a randomized phase II study comparing efficacy and toxicity of weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m(2) (Weetax) with three weekly docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) (Threetax), both in combination with oral capecitabine 1000 mg/m(2) twice daily for 2 weeks followed by a 1-week break. Patients. Thirty-seven women with confirmed metastatic breast cancer were randomized. Results. Median TTF was 174 (Weetax) versus 147 days (Threetax) (P=0.472). Median OS was 933 (Weetax) versus 464 days (Threetax) (P=0.191). Reasons for TTF were PD 8/18 (Weetax), 9/19 (Threetax); and toxicity: 8/18 (Weetax), 8/19 (Threetax). ORR was 72% (Weetax) versus 26% (Threetax) (P = 0.01). The Threetax-combination resulted in a higher incidence of leuco-/neutropenia compared to Weetax. Grade II anemia was more pronounced in the Weetax group. No difference was found in quality of life. Conclusion. Taxanes in combination with capecitabine resulted in a high level of toxicity. Taxanes and capecitabine should be considered given sequentially and not in combination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Wist
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Mjaaland
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Løkkevik
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Sommer