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Original Article
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Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant trastuzumab combined with paclitaxel and epirubicin
A retrospective review of the M. D. Anderson experience
Article first published online: 23 JUL 2007
DOI: 10.1002/cncr.22895
Copyright © 2007 American Cancer Society
Additional Information
How to Cite
Dawood, S., Gonzalez-Angulo, A. M., Peintinger, F., Broglio, K., Symmans, W. F., Kau, S.-W., Islam, R., Hortobagyi, G. N. and Buzdar, A. U. (2007), Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant trastuzumab combined with paclitaxel and epirubicin. Cancer, 110: 1195–1200. doi: 10.1002/cncr.22895
Publication History
- Issue published online: 31 AUG 2007
- Article first published online: 23 JUL 2007
- Manuscript Accepted: 7 MAY 2007
- Manuscript Revised: 1 MAY 2007
- Manuscript Received: 21 MAR 2007
Funded by
- Susan G. Komen Foundation
- Nellie B. Connally Fund for Breast Cancer Research
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- trastuzumab;
- paclitaxel;
- epirubicin;
- neoadjuvant
Abstract
BACKGROUND.
A previously published prospective randomized phase 3 trial showed that administration of 24 weeks of primary systemic chemotherapy (PST) with paclitaxel and FEC75 (fluorouracil, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide) concurrently with trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive primary breast cancer resulted in a 60% pathologic complete response rate (PCR) with no associated severe cardiac toxicity. The purpose of this study was to review the efficacy and safety of a similar regimen outside the setting of a clinical trial.
METHODS.
Patients with HER2-positive breast cancer (defined as either immunohistochemical 3+ or fluorescence in situ hybridization-positive) that had received 24 weeks of neoadjuvant trastuzumab concurrently with taxane and anthracycline-based chemotherapy between 2004 and 2006 were included in the analysis. PST chemotherapy consisted of paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) weekly for 12 weeks followed by 4 cycles of FEC75 (500 mg/m2, 75 mg/m2, and 500 mg/m2, respectively).
RESULTS.
Forty patients were identified. The median age was 48 years (range, 29–81). In all, 60% of patients had stage III disease and 4 had inflammatory breast cancer. The PCR rate was 55% (95% confidence interval [CI], 38.5%–70.7%). At a median follow-up of 19 months. 5 patients had a recurrence, of which 4 did not achieve a PCR. No severe cardiac events were observed.
CONCLUSIONS.
Stage II and III HER2-positive breast cancer patients achieved a high rate of PCR with trastuzumab given concurrently with paclitaxel and FEC75 chemotherapy. No severe cardiac events were observed with the regimen. The data concur with the results of a previously published trial. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.