Z Zoul1, S Filip, B Melichar, J Dvorák, K Odrázka, J Petera. 1. Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Charles University Medical School Teaching Hospital, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic. zoul@fnhk.cz
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The combination of chemotherapy and hyperthermia (HT) is a promising approach in the treatment of malignant tumors. In the present report we evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a combination of weekly paclitaxel combined with local hyperthermia in breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 7 patients were treated for inoperable local recurrence of breast cancer after mastectomy, irradiation, and chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. They weekly received paclitaxel (60-80 mg/m(2)) in 3-h infusions followed by local HT 41-44 degrees C for 45 min for 6-18 cycles. RESULTS: Objective local response was observed in all treated patients (complete response in 4 patients and partial response in 3 patients). There were no grade 3 or 4 toxicities, neurologic toxicity or hypersensitivity reactions. Local tolerance to this regimen was also good, with only 4 patients developing mild transient erythema. CONCLUSION: Our experience indicates that the combination of weekly paclitaxel and HT may be effective in the treatment of locally recurrent breast cancer after mastectomy.
BACKGROUND: The combination of chemotherapy and hyperthermia (HT) is a promising approach in the treatment of malignant tumors. In the present report we evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a combination of weekly paclitaxel combined with local hyperthermia in breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 7 patients were treated for inoperable local recurrence of breast cancer after mastectomy, irradiation, and chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. They weekly received paclitaxel (60-80 mg/m(2)) in 3-h infusions followed by local HT 41-44 degrees C for 45 min for 6-18 cycles. RESULTS: Objective local response was observed in all treated patients (complete response in 4 patients and partial response in 3 patients). There were no grade 3 or 4 toxicities, neurologic toxicity or hypersensitivity reactions. Local tolerance to this regimen was also good, with only 4 patients developing mild transient erythema. CONCLUSION: Our experience indicates that the combination of weekly paclitaxel and HT may be effective in the treatment of locally recurrent breast cancer after mastectomy.