Timed infusion of 5-fluorouracil improves treatment for breast cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Ficorella C, Morelli M F, Ricevuto E, Cannita K, Porzio G, Baldi P Lanfiuti, Cianci G, Rocco ZC Di, Natoli C, Tinari N, Galitiis F De, Calista F, Marchetti P
Primary Institution: University of L'Aquila, Italy
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the maximum-tolerated dose and recommended dose of a timed infusion of 5-fluorouracil combined with docetaxel in metastatic breast cancer patients.
Conclusion
The study found that a specific timed infusion of 5-fluorouracil combined with docetaxel is well tolerated and effective in treating metastatic breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients received a median of six treatment cycles.
- Five of ten patients at the maximum-tolerated dose experienced dose-limiting toxicities.
- The overall response rate was 61%, with two complete and six partial responses.
- The median time to disease progression was 10 months.
- The median overall survival was 25 months.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a new way to give medicine to breast cancer patients, and it worked well without making them too sick.
Methodology
Patients received a 1-hour infusion of docetaxel followed by a 12-hour timed infusion of 5-fluorouracil over 5 days, every 21 days, with dose escalation based on toxicity.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was limited to specific patient eligibility criteria.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 52 years, with a range of 36 to 69 years; most patients had a WHO performance status of 0.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
±28
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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