High Dose Chemotherapy for Advanced Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): J.E. Ferguson, D.J. Dodwell, A.-M. Seymour, M.A. Richards, A. Howell
Primary Institution: Christie Hospital, Manchester; Guy's Hospital, London
Hypothesis
Does high dose, dose-intensive chemotherapy with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide improve outcomes in advanced breast cancer compared to standard treatments?
Conclusion
High dose chemotherapy shows an excellent initial response in advanced breast cancer but does not extend remission or overall survival compared to standard treatments.
Supporting Evidence
- Sixteen out of 18 patients responded to treatment, achieving an 89% response rate.
- Six patients achieved complete remission, while ten had partial responses.
- The median survival was 18 months, with a median time to progression of 5.5 months.
- Neutropenia occurred in 89% of treatment courses, indicating high toxicity.
- Moderate to severe oral mucositis was reported in 43% of courses.
Takeaway
Doctors gave strong medicine to 18 women with advanced breast cancer, and most of them got better at first, but it didn't help them live longer.
Methodology
Eighteen women with advanced breast cancer received high dose doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide every two weeks, with rG-CSF to reduce side effects.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to all patients due to high toxicity and lack of survival benefit.
Participant Demographics
All participants were women aged 37 to 67 with advanced breast cancer and no prior chemotherapy for advanced disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.02
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