High efficacy and low toxicity of weekly docetaxel given as first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer

Background: Docetaxel is one of the most effective antitumor agents
currently available for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer
(MBC). This phase II multicenter study prospectively analyzed the
efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel given on a weekly schedule as
first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Patients and
Methods: All patients received docetaxel, 35 mg/m(2) weekly for 6
weeks, followed by 2 weeks of rest. Subsequent cycles ( 3 weeks of
treatment, 2 weeks of rest) were given until a maximum of 5 cycles
or disease progression. Premedication consisted of 8 mg
dexamethasone intravenously 30 min prior to the infusion of
docetaxel. Results: Fifty-four patients at a median age of 58 years
with previously untreated MBC were included in the study. A median
of 10 doses ( median cumulative dose 339 mg/m(2)) was administered
( range: 2 - 18). The overall response rate was 48.1% ( 95% CI: 34
- 61%, intent-to-treat). Median survival was 15.8 months and median
time to progression was 5.9 months ( intent-to-treat).
Hematological toxicity was mild with absence of neutropenia-related
complications. Grade 3 neutropenia was observed in 3.7% of patients
and grade 3 and 4 anemia was observed in 5.6 and 1.9% of patients,
respectively. Conclusion: The weekly administration of docetaxel is
highly efficient and safe as first-line treatment for MBC and may
serve as an important treatment option specifically in elderly
patients and patients with a reduced performance status. Copyright
(C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.