Capecitabine in combination with docetaxel in the management of metastatic breast cancer

Abstract

12016 Background: We aimed to determine the efficacy of a non-anthracycline-containing regimen, docetaxel/capecitabine as a first -line therapy for patients with advanced breast cancer. Methods: Fifty-two patients have been enrolled in the study. Median age was 56 years (range 35–75). ECOG PS was of 0–2 (PS 0: 14 patients, PS 1: 18 patients, PS 2: 20 patients), All patients were Her-2 neu negative. Patients received Docetaxel 75 mg/m2 on day 1, with routine pre and post-medication with steroids, and Capecitabine 950 mg/m2 p.o. bid on days 1–14, every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: Of the 52 evaluable patients, 2 patients (3.8%) achieved complete response, 25 patients (48%) achieved partial response (PR) and 10 patients (19.2%) attained stable disease (SD). The median duration of response was 14 weeks and the median duration of SD was 22 weeks. The median time to progression (TTP) was 30 weeks. The median overall survival was 94 weeks. All patients were evaluable for toxicity. Toxicity was mainly hematological with G3 or 4 neutropenia in 9 patients (17%). Febrile neutropenia was not encountered. There was not significant GI toxicity. Conclusions: The clinical utility of capecitabine in the management of breast cancer is supported by its convenient oral dosing schedule and favorable safety profile, as well as its excellent clinical activity. The combination with docetaxel shows promising efficacy as first- line therapy in advanced breast cancer with an acceptable toxicity profile. No significant financial relationships to disclose.