High-dose chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Cottu P H, Extra J M, Espie M, Marolleau J P, Roquancourt A de, Makke J, Miclea J M, Laureance V, Mayeur D, Lerebours F, Cuvier C, Marty M
Primary Institution: Hôpital Saint-Louis
Hypothesis
The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a high-dose intensity and high-dose density multicycle epirubicin and cyclophosphamide regimen with peripheral blood stem cells support in advanced breast cancer patients.
Conclusion
The high-dose regimen was feasible but associated with high toxicity.
Supporting Evidence
- 86% of patients received all 4 planned courses of treatment.
- Grade 4 neutrophil toxicity was observed in 100% of patients.
- Objective response rate was 69% in stage IV patients.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a strong treatment for breast cancer that involved giving a lot of medicine and using special cells to help patients recover, but it made many patients very sick.
Methodology
56 breast cancer patients received a high-dose regimen of cyclophosphamide and epirubicin every 14 days, with stem cell support.
Limitations
The study had a high rate of toxicity and did not include controlled comparisons.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 8 stage IIIB and 48 stage IV breast cancer patients.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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