Author/Editor     Bonnefoi, H; Biganzoli, L; Mauriac, L; Čufer, T; Schaefer, P; Atalay, G; Piccart, M
Title     An EORTC phase I study of capecitabine (xeloda) in combination with fixed doses of cyclophosphamide and epirubicin (cex) as primary treatment for large operable or locally advanced/inflammatory breast cancer
Type     članek
Source     Eur J Cancer
Vol. and No.     Letnik 39, št. 9
Publication year     2003
Volume     str. 1277-83
Language     eng
Abstract     In breast cancer, chemotherapy regimens that include infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) lead to high response rates, but require central venous access and pumps. To avoid these inconveniences, we substituted infusional 5-FU with capecitabine. The main objective of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of capecitabine when given in combination with fixed doses of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (100 and 600 mg/m(2) day 1 every (q) 3 weeks) as primary treatment for large operable or locally advanced/inflammatory breast cancer without distant metastasis. Capecitabine was escalated from 750 mg/m(2) twice a day (bid) to 1250 mg/m(2) bid from day 1 to day 14 in four dose levels. Dose escalation was permitted if 0/3 or 1/6 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). A total of 23 patients were included and 117 courses were administered. At dose level 4, 2 of 2 patients presented DLTs defining the MTD. A high rate of capecitabine treatment modification was required with capecitabine 1050 mg/m(2) bid (dose level 3). 19 patients achieved an objective response (83%). In conclusion, we believe that capecitabine 900 mg/m(2) bid (dose level 2) is the recommended dose in combination with epirubicin 100 mg/m(2) and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2). The acceptable toxicity profile and encouraging activity of this regimen warrant further evaluation.
Descriptors     BREAST NEOPLASMS
ADENOCARCINOMA
ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS, COMBINED
DEOXYCYTIDINE
AGE FACTORS
CHEMOTHERAPY, ADJUVANT
CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIP, DRUG
EPIRUBICIN
TREATMENT OUTCOME