Doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by weekly docetaxel as neoadjuvant treatment of early breast cancer: analysis of biological markers in a GEICAM phase II study

Clin Transl Oncol. 2009 Jan;11(1):54-9. doi: 10.1007/s12094-009-0311-4.

Abstract

Introduction: To evaluate the sequential administration of doxorubicin (A) and cyclophosphamide (C) followed by weekly docetaxel in women with stage II to IIIA breast cancer.

Patients and methods: Patients received 60 mg/m(2) of A and 600 mg/m(2) of C every three weeks for four cycles followed by 12 infusions of weekly docetaxel at a dose of 36 mg/m(2) and with a 2-week resting period.

Results: Sixty-three women were included. On an intention-to- treat basis, clinical response rate was 90% (95% CI: 83-98), with 46% complete responses. Breast-conserving surgery could be performed in 43 patients (68%). Complete pathological responses in the breast were confirmed in 17% of patients. No correlations between levels of expression of topoisomerase II alpha, survivin or p27 and the pathological response were detected. The study treatment was generally well tolerated.

Conclusion: Neoadjuvant AC followed by weekly docetaxel is a feasible regimen for patients with early-stage breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / biosynthesis
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II / biosynthesis
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Docetaxel
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy / methods*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen / biosynthesis
  • Survivin
  • Taxoids / administration & dosage
  • Taxoids / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • BIRC5 protein, human
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
  • Survivin
  • Taxoids
  • p27 antigen
  • Docetaxel
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • DNA Topoisomerases, Type II