Docetaxel and capecitabine as first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer
10734 Background: Capecitabine (C) and Docetaxel (D) have demonstrated synergy in both preclinical and clinical studies in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The aim of the study was to evaluate the activity and tolerability of the combination of CD as a first -line therapy for patients with advanced breast cancer. Methods: Thirty- five patients have been enrolled in the study. Median age was 54 years (range 35–73). ECOG PS was of 0–2 (PS 0: 6 patients, PS 1: 5 patients, PS 2: 14 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: A total of 233 cycles were given with a median of 7 (2–12). Of the 35 evaluable patients, 17 patients (48%) achieved partial response (PR) and 6 patients (17%) attained stable disease (SD). The median duration of response was 12 weeks and the median duration of SD was 20 weeks. The median time to progression (TTP) was 28 weeks. The median overall survival was 90 weeks. All patients were evaluable for toxicity. Toxicity was mainly hematological with G3 or 4 neutropenia in 7 patients (20%). Febrile neutropenia was not encountered. There was not significant GI toxicity. Conclusions: Combination chemotherapy with Capecitabine and Docetaxel shows promising efficacy as first- line therapy in advanced breast cancer with an acceptable toxicity profile. No significant financial relationships to disclose.