[Docetaxel (TXT), epirubicin (EPI) and doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) combination neoadjuvant chemotherapy for outpatients with locally advanced breast cancer].

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel (TXT), epirubicin (EPI) and doxifluridine (5'-DFUR) in 5 patients with locally advanced breast cancer on an outpatient basis. Their mean age was 49.6 years, and preoperative stages were IIa: one case, IIb: two; and IlIb: two; respectively. The regimen consisted of 5'-DFUR (800 mg/day) orally for 14 consecutive days, and TXT (60 or 70 mg/m2) and EPI (50 or 60 mg/m2) intravenously on day 8. It was repeated 4 times every 3 weeks. Although the results revealed leucopenia and neutropenia of more than grade 3 in 4/5 patients, no other adverse events were observed. The use of G-CSF was necessary to maintain this regimen, and the patients could be treated on an outpatient basis. Breast conserving therapy was performed in two patients. Pathological findings revealed Grade 2 and 3 cytological degeneration in two and one patients, respectively, and parasternal lymph node metastasis in one, but no axillary lymph node metastasis. These findings suggested satisfactory effects of this neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen. This combination chemotherapy without severe adverse events would be an alternative choice of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on an outpatient basis.