Paclitaxel, Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide Combination in First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Dose Escalation Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of combined paclitaxel, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The dose of paclitaxel was planned to be escalated from 150 to 225 mg/m²in 25 mg/m² steps, while the doses of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide were fixed at 50 and 500 mg/m², respectively. Because of DLT, the dose of paclitaxel was maintained at 200 mg/m² and the dose of epirubicin was increased to 90 mg/m². The MTD was reached at a dose of paclitaxel and epirubicin of 200 and 75 mg/m²,respectively. DLT were mainly febrile neutropenia and grade 4 neutropenia lasting for ≧7 days. Among the 35 evaluable patients, there were 2 (6%) complete responses and 19 (53%) partial responses for an overall response rate of 59% [95% confidence interval (CI): 41–74%]. The triplet paclitaxel/epirubicin/cyclophosphamide is an effective and well-tolerated combination worthy of further investigation in the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump Combined With Systemic Chemotherapy for Patients With Liver Metastases From Breast Carcinoma

“…Other drugs such as docetaxel and gemcitabine are also actively considered. 18 Currently, systemic therapies have improved, but the median survival rates range between 3 and 16 months, 19 , 20 which provides the impetus for us to explore new therapeutic strategies. The occurrence of liver metastases is expected to determine the survival time of patients with metastatic breast cancer.…”