Neoadjuvant therapy with concurrent anthracyclines and taxanes in Her2-negative breast cancer (HNBC): TAC legacy.

Abstract

e12629 Background: Adyuvant therapy with Concurrent docetaxel-adriamycin-cyclophosphamide (TAC) increases overall survival in positive node breast cancer. However it is associated with an increased risk of infection and cardiotoxicity. Switching to epirubicin (TEC) and adding Filgrastim prophylaxis (GCSF) could be an useful and safe option in the neoadjuvant setting. Methods: We reviewed the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant regimen TEC x 6 cycles(c) and GCSF in HNBC. Kaplan–Meier, Cox regression and binary logistic regression were performed to analyze survival prognostic factors, pathological complete response rate (pCR) and serious adverse events. Results: From 2015 to 2021, 204 patients (pt) and 1125 cycles were registered. Median follow-up of 39.4 months. Median age 48 years (SD 8.3), stage II to IIIC (35% IIB), 64% were positive node and 25% Triple Negative(TN) tumors. A median dose of 90% (87.9-93.4) was administered, 93% with a cumulative dose higher than 66% (equivalent to 4 c). Radiologic response in 75% pt. 16.3% pt achieved pCR (3.2% in LumA, 15% in LumB and 35% in TN tumors). OR 4.98 (2.18-11.35) for TN and OR 0.94 (0.89-0.99) for older p<0.05. No relapses were detected in TN patients with PCR. PCR was non-inferior in pt who received 66% of planned dose (OR 1.3, p=0.76) and was higher in LumB than LumA, OR 5.2 (1.13- 24.61), p <0.05. Lymphadenectomy was avoided in 29.2% of patients with affected node at baseline. 3 years (y) relapse free (F) survival (S) of 86.1% (91-80%), better prognosis in stage II HR 0.29 (0.14-0.58) and older HR 0.93 (0.89-0.98), p< 0.005. 3y overall FS of 89% (93-84%), worse prognosis in TN with HR 3.48 (1.37-8.84). Lower risk in stage II with HR 0.31 (0.13-0.75) and in Pegfilgastrim with HR 0.14 (0.03-0.67), p<0.05. Hospital admissions in 24% for any cause. Older age (OR 1.05, p=0.01). 21% neutropenia G3/4. Infections in 17.2% of pt. Febril neutropenia in 18.1%, no related to age (p=0.5) or pegfilgrastim Vs filgrastim (p=0.99). Asthenia 17%, colitis 6% and thrombosis in 2%. No cardiacs events were reported. Conclusions: TEC is effective in the neoadjuvant setting of HNBC. It has similar pCR and survivall to those reported in meta-analysis. GCSF facilitates treatment compliance but the risk of neutropenia and admissions are still present. A lower cumulative dose could be enough to achieve the same results. Stage III and TN have shown a worse prognosis.