Sequential Chemotherapy for Advanced Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Riccardi A, Pugliese P, Danova M, Brugnatelli S, Grasso D, Giordano M, Bernardo G, Giardina G, Fava S, Montanari G, Pedrotti C, Trotti G, Rinaldi E, Poli M A, Tinelli C
Primary Institution: Università and IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia
Hypothesis
Sequential administration of FEC followed by paclitaxel could be better tolerated than an anthracycline and paclitaxel while having a similar antitumour effect.
Conclusion
Sequential FEC-paclitaxel is a suitable strategy for patients with metastatic breast cancer who have not been previously treated with anthracyclines and/or taxanes.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall response rate was 65%.
- Grade III–IV toxicity was acceptable.
- Median time to progression was 13.2 months.
- Median survival was 23.5 months.
Takeaway
This study tested a new way to give chemotherapy to women with advanced breast cancer, and it seemed to work well without causing too many side effects.
Methodology
Phase II multicentre study where FEC was followed by paclitaxel, administered 4 times every 21 days.
Limitations
Some patients did not complete therapy due to various reasons including treatment refusal and early death.
Participant Demographics
Patients with advanced breast cancer previously untreated with anthracyclines or paclitaxel.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 53–76
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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