Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) with prolonged high-dose (HD) doxorubicin (A) and cyclophosphamide (C) with G-CSF support in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC): Long-term follow-up data

Abstract

11090 Background: NACT improves survival in LABC. The optimal regimen, dose and duration is still under study Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of prolonged preoperative HD-AC plus G-CSF. Methods: LABC patients (pts) were treated with AC for 6 cycles (Cy): Cy 1: A 90 mg/m2, C 1000 mg/m2; Cy 2–3: A 82.5 mg/m2, C 875 mg/m2; Cy 4–6: A 75mg/m2, C 750 mg/m2) with prophylactic (peg)filgastrim q3wks. In case of cardiotoxicity or poor tumor response (TR) pts switched to Docetaxel (D) 100mg/m2 q3wks. Within 5 weeks after NACT, pts underwent mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection followed by radiotherapy. In case of positive estrogen (ER) or progesteron receptor (PgR), hormonal treatment was given for 5 yrs. Toxicity was scored weekly (NCI-CTC 2), response every 3 wks (WHO). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to calculate disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: Between 8/1997 and 10/2003 21 pts (median age 55 years, range 22–74) were enrolled. One pt had stage IIB, 6 stage IIIA, 14 stage IIIB disease (10 T4d). 10 tumors were ER+, 5 PgR+, none overexpressed Her-2/Neu. A total of 130 NACT Cy was given. 15 pts completed all 6 AC Cy, 6 switched to D because of a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF? >10%, n=2) or insufficient TR (n=4). Dose reduction of AC was needed in 1 pt (last Cy), dose delays in 4 pts. Nausea and vomiting were generally mild; grade 4 anorexia occured in one pt. Grade 4 leucopenia and neutropenia in 14 and 18 pts, respectively. Neutropenic fever requiring hospitalization occurred in 5 pts, thrombocytopenia grade 4 in 7 pts and grade 3 anemia in 3 pts. Two pts developed cardiomyopathy (9.5%) < 2 years after NACT. The overall TR rate (PR and CR) was 81%, clinical CR rate 14%, pathologic CR rate 10% and 14% had minimal residual disease. Three pts showed SD and only 1 pt had PD. The median follow up of all pts was 51 months (range 9–110), 5 yrs DFS 47%, OS 56%. 5 yrs DFS and OS for pT4d pts was 50% and 56%, respectively. Conclusions: NACT with HD-AC plus G-CSF for 6 Cy in this poor risk population is active and further supports the use of prolonged preoperative CT. The routine use of D after a restricted number of AC Cy may further improve results and decrease (cardio)toxicity. No significant financial relationships to disclose.