The combination of epirubicin plus docetaxel as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally-advanced breast cancer.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity and toxicity of epirubicin plus docetaxel as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer.

Patients And Methods: In this single-center, phase II trial, twenty-one patients with locally advanced breast cancer (T>3 cm or N>1) received epirubicin (70 mg/m2) and docetaxel (60 mg/m2) on Day 1 of each cycle for up to 6 cycles.

Results: Clinically complete responses (CR) were observed in 5 patients and partial responses were observed in 14 patients. The clinical response rate was 90.5% (95% confidence interval, 78.0-99.9). Eleven patients (52.4%) underwent breast conserving surgery. Pathological response evaluation revealed 2 CR (9.5%). Grade 4 neutropenia was recorded in 81.0% of the patients and febrile neutropenia occurred in 1 patient.

Conclusion: The combination of epirubicin plus docetaxel was an active and well-tolerated treatment for locally-advanced breast cancer.