The potential for oral combination chemotherapy of 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine, a 5-FU prodrug, and cyclophosphamide for metastatic breast cancer
2003

Oral Combination Chemotherapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Sample size: 94 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yoshimoto M, Tada K, Tokudome N, Kutomi G, Tanabe M, Goto T, Nishimura S, Makita M, Kasumi F

Primary Institution: Breast Oncology Group, Cancer Institute Hospital, Tokyo, Japan

Hypothesis

Can the combination of 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine and cyclophosphamide improve treatment outcomes for metastatic breast cancer?

Conclusion

The oral combination chemotherapy of 5′-DFUR and CPA is effective and has low toxicity for patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • The overall response rate was 59.6%, with a complete response rate of 17.0%.
  • Patients with hormone receptor-positive tumors had higher response rates.
  • The median time to progression was 11.7 months.
  • The treatment was well tolerated with mild side effects.
  • Patients experienced a median overall survival of 40.3 months.

Takeaway

This study tested a new way to treat breast cancer using two pills instead of injections, and it worked well with fewer side effects.

Methodology

This was an open-label Phase II trial where patients received a combination of 5′-DFUR and CPA orally for treatment.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the open-label design and lack of a control group.

Limitations

The study was conducted at a single institute and may not be generalizable to all populations.

Participant Demographics

{"age":{"mean":55.5,"range":"31-77"},"menopausal_status":{"pre":21,"post":79},"receptor_status":{"ER_positive":47,"ER_negative":26,"unknown":28,"PgR_positive":39,"PgR_negative":31,"PgR_unknown":30}}

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 49.0–69.6

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6601350

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