Publication
Gemcitabine, epirubicin and docetaxel as primary systemic therapy in patients with early breast cancer: results of a multicentre phase I/II study
Journal Paper/Review - Nov 1, 2004
Schneeweiss A, Wallwiener D, Hamerla R, Solomayer E, Krauss K, Beldermann F, Rudlowski C, von Fournier D, Sinn H-P, Huober Jens, Bastert G
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PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Print
Pages
Brief description/objective
Developing primary systemic chemotherapy (PST) regimens that induce higher pathological complete response (pCR) rates remains a challenge in operable breast cancer. We recruited 77 eligible patients into a multicentre phase I/II study to evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity and efficacy of preoperative gemcitabine day 1 and 8 (800 mg/m(2) fixed dose), epirubicin and docetaxel on day 1 (doses escalated from 60 mg/m(2)) (GEDoc), repeated 3-weekly for 6 cycles with filgrastim support. MTD for epirubicin was 90 mg/m(2) and for docetaxel 75 mg/m(2). Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) included febrile neutropenia and grade 3 diarrhoea. Clinical response rate was 92%, pCR rate was 26%. 79% of patients had breast-conserving surgery. Grade 3/4 leucopenia was the main toxicity, occurring in 55 (87%) of 63 patients treated at the MTD. Non-haematological toxicity caused no serious clinical problems. In conclusion, GEDoc is highly active as PST. Efficacy and toxicity compare favourably with other effective combinations.