Capecitabine chemoradiation (X-RT) as neoadjuvant therapy for patients (pts) with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) refractory to anthracyclines

Abstract

698 Background: In Brazil, LABC remains a serious health problem and represents approximately 30% of all newly diagnosed breast cancers. Anthracycline-based neoadjuvant therapy is a standard treatment, but approximately 30% of pts do not respond. For these refractory pts, there is no standard approach. In our institution, these pts receive RT, but almost half (46%) of pts are not rendered operable by RT alone. Because X is the reference treatment for patients with anthracycline- and/or taxane-pretreated MBC and X and RT are supra-additive in in vivo models, there is a clear rationale for evaluating X-RT in this pt group. Methods: Eligible pts had inoperable LABC refractory to FAC, ECOG PS 0, 1 and 2 and adequate bone marrow, renal and hepatic functions. Pts received RT 200cGy/d x5w (total dose 50Gy) plus X 850mg/m2 bid orally d1–14, q3w for 2 cycles. Pts underwent surgery, if appropriate, after completion of neoadjuvant therapy. Pts with hormone receptor-positive tumors received tamoxifen after surgery. R...