A comparison of regimens for preoperative chemotherapy in a group of Chinese breast cancer patients

Abstract

11566 Background: Preoperative chemotherapy for Chinese patients with breast cancer has been conducted for more than 20 years in China. However, few clinical trials showed comparison among several commonly used regimens regarding to their response rates in mainland China. Methods: From Oct 1995 to Aug 2007, 462 Chinese breast cancer patients in Jiangsu Province, who were pathologically confirmed with adenocarcinoma received preoperative chemotherapy. After 2 to 4 cycles of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (CMF), doxorubicin, taxanes or vinorelbine based chemotherapy, patients were surgically treated. Eleven patients were exposed to CMF, 252 to 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (FAC), 67 to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and cisplatin (CAP), 22 to 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin and cisplatin (FAP), 61 to vinorelbine and cisplatin (NP), and 49 to docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (TAC). Results: Tumor response rate (RR) defined by WHO criteria was 54.5% for CMF, 71.8% for FAC, 70.2% for CAP, 77.3% for FAP, respectively. Vinorelbine containing regimen achieved 91.8%, and taxanes achieved 91.8% RR, respectively. RRs of vinorelbine or taxanes containing regimen are higher than rest regimens with statistical significance. Conclusions: Preoperative chemotherapy significantly reduced tumor size so that resection rate was increased and conserving surgery was possible. With regard to response rate, taxanes or vinorelbine based regimens are superior to CMF, FAC, CAP or FAP in this group of Chinese patients. No significant financial relationships to disclose.