Mitoxantrone as first line cytotoxic therapy in advanced breast cancer: preliminary results of a phase II study.

Mitoxantrone, 14 mg/m2 repeated every 3 weeks was administered to postmenopausal patients with advanced measurable breast cancer previously untreated with cytotoxic agents. Response was achieved in 16 out of 28 (44%) evaluable patients and in four of the patients (with soft tissue disease) the response was complete. The median duration of response was 10+ months with a range from 4-12+ months. At doses which cause significant hematological toxicity other objective and subjective toxicities were remarkably mild.