title: A Prospective Comparative Study of the Toxicity Profile of 5-Flurouracil, Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide Regime VS Adriamycin, Paclitaxel Regime in Patients with Locally Advanced Breast Carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A 5-flurouracil, Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide (FAC) and Adriamycin, Paclitaxel (AT) are two popular chemotherapeutic regimens for treatment of breast carcinoma. The most time tested and popular regimen is FAC. It is extensively studied for efficacy and toxicity. But data regarding toxicity profile and efficacy of AT regimen is sparse.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To study the toxicity profile, severity of toxicities and clinical response rate of FAC and AT regimens in patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective observational study with 50 patients in each treatment arm. Study duration was 12 months from November 2012 to October 2013. Consecutive patients with locally advanced breast carcinoma receiving treatment with either FAC or AT regimen, satisfying inclusion criteria were enrolled into the study after getting informed written consent. Prior to initiation of treatment detailed medical history was taken from all patients. General clinical examination, examination of organ systems and local examination of breast lump were done. After each cycle of chemotherapy and after completion of treatment patients were interviewed and examined for clinical response and toxicities. Toxicities were graded with WHO toxicity grading criteria. All data were entered in a structured proforma. At least 50% reduction in tumour size was taken as adequate clinical response.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data was analysed using Chi-square test with help of Excel 2007 and SPSS-16 statistical software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Different pattern of toxicities were seen with FAC and AT regimens. Anaemia, thrombocytopenia, stomatitis, hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity and diarrhoea were more common with patients receiving FAC regimen. Leucopenia, peripheral neuropathy, myalgia, arthralgia, vomiting and injection site reactions were more common in AT regimen. Both FAC and AT regimens gave 100% clinical response.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  FAC and AT regimens are equally efficacious but have different toxicity profiles. Patient's predisposition to toxicities may govern the selection of a particular regime.
authors: Senior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College , Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India .
authors: Jihana
authors: J
authors: Shajahan
authors: Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College , Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India .
authors: Pradeep Sadasivan
authors: PS
authors: Pillai
authors: Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Radiotherapy, Government Medical College , Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India .
authors: Krishnan Nair Lalithamma
authors: KN
authors: Jayakumar
keywords: Chemotherapy; Clinical response; Tumour size; WHO toxicity criteria