PURPOSE: In a previous phase I trial we evaluated the toxicity and determined the maximum tolerated doses of the docetaxel (D)-epirubicin (Epi) combination. We conducted a multicenter phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of this regimen as front-line treatment in women with advanced breast cancer (ABC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four women with ABC stage IIIB (4 patients) or IV (50 patients) received front-line treatment with Epi 70 mg/m2 on day 1 and D 90 mg/m2 on day 2. The median age was 55 years, performance status (WHO) was 0-1 in 49 patients and visceral disease was present in 45 (83%). RESULTS: All patients were evaluable for toxicity and 50 for response. In an intent-to-treat analysis complete remission was observed in 5(9%) patients, partial remission in 31 (57%) (overall response rate 66%, 95% confidence interval: 54% 79%), stable disease in 9 (17%) and disease progression in 9 (17%). After a median follow-up of 11.5 months, the median duration of responses was 8 months, the median time to disease progression 11.5 months and the median survival has not yet been reached. The probability of one-year survival was 65%. Three hundred six cycles of treatment were administered (median 6 cycles per patient). Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was observed in 8 (15%) and 31 (57%) patients, respectively, and febrile neutropenia in 19 (35%). Prophylactic rh-G-CSF was used in 45 (83%) patients or 226 (74%) cycles. Other hematologic or non-hematologic toxicities were usually mild. In five (9%) patients the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was decreased by more than 10% with the treatment. Two patients died during the treatment of respiratory failure without associated neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of docetaxel epirubicin is an effective and well tolerated front-line treatment in patients with ABC.
PURPOSE: In a previous phase I trial we evaluated the toxicity and determined the maximum tolerated doses of the docetaxel(D)-epirubicin (Epi) combination. We conducted a multicenter phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of this regimen as front-line treatment in women with advanced breast cancer (ABC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four women with ABC stage IIIB (4 patients) or IV (50 patients) received front-line treatment with Epi 70 mg/m2 on day 1 and D 90 mg/m2 on day 2. The median age was 55 years, performance status (WHO) was 0-1 in 49 patients and visceral disease was present in 45 (83%). RESULTS: All patients were evaluable for toxicity and 50 for response. In an intent-to-treat analysis complete remission was observed in 5(9%) patients, partial remission in 31 (57%) (overall response rate 66%, 95% confidence interval: 54% 79%), stable disease in 9 (17%) and disease progression in 9 (17%). After a median follow-up of 11.5 months, the median duration of responses was 8 months, the median time to disease progression 11.5 months and the median survival has not yet been reached. The probability of one-year survival was 65%. Three hundred six cycles of treatment were administered (median 6 cycles per patient). Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was observed in 8 (15%) and 31 (57%) patients, respectively, and febrile neutropenia in 19 (35%). Prophylactic rh-G-CSF was used in 45 (83%) patients or 226 (74%) cycles. Other hematologic or non-hematologic toxicities were usually mild. In five (9%) patients the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was decreased by more than 10% with the treatment. Two patients died during the treatment of respiratory failure without associated neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of docetaxelepirubicin is an effective and well tolerated front-line treatment in patients with ABC.
Authors: C Pacilio; A Morabito; F Nuzzo; A Gravina; V Labonia; G Landi; E Rossi; E De Maio; M Di Maio; G D'Aiuto; G Botti; N Normanno; P Chiodini; C Gallo; F Perrone; A de Matteis Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2006-05-08 Impact factor: 7.640
Authors: V Adamo; V Lorusso; R Rossello; B Adamo; G Ferraro; D Lorusso; G Condemi; D Priolo; L Di Lullo; A Paglia; S Pisconti; G Scambia; G Ferrandina Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2008-05-20 Impact factor: 7.640
Authors: T Gamucci; A M D'Ottavio; E Magnolfi; M Barduagni; A Vaccaro; I Sperduti; L Moscetti; F Belli; L Meliffi Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2007-10-16 Impact factor: 7.640