Mitoxantrone and methotrexate chemotherapy with and without mitomycin C in the regional treatment of locally advanced breast cancer.

Fifty patients with locally advanced breast cancer received regional chemotherapy delivered angiographically via the internal mammary artery and varying vessels supplying the lateral aspect of the breast. Thirty three patients received mitomycin C, methotrexate and mitoxantrone, and 17 patients received methotrexate and mitoxantrone only. There was no significant difference in clinical response between the two groups. However, in patients who received mitomycin C, severe local skin toxicity occurred in nine patients resulting in delay of further therapy and considerable morbidity. Mitomycin C should not be administered regionally in patients with locally advanced breast cancer.