Second interims analysis of the ARA Plus study: Breast Cancer (BC) adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) with and without darbepoetin- alpha, analysis of serious adverse events
564 Background: TAC is one of the most effective regimens. It‘s associated with higher frequency of anemia and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (CIN). The erythropoiesis stimulating factor (ESF) support of chemotherapy, its complications and survival effect remain unclear. Erythropoetins do prevent chemotherapy-associated anemia (CAA) and subsequent fatigue syndrome but their potential influence on survival is still unclear. One aim of this analysis is to investigate the correlation between CT, growth factor support and toxicity (SAE‘s). Methods: This ARA Plus phase III trial compare chemotherapy ±ARA in breast cancer patients >18 years old, with positive lymph nodes and with M0 disease. Pts get six cycles of of 5-fluoro-uracile 500mg/m2, epirubicine 100mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500mg/m2, (FEC, Bonneterre), 3-weekly or six cycles of docetaxcel 75mg/m2, adriamycin 50mg/m2 and cyclophosphamide 500mg/m2, (TAC, BCIRG) and are randomized to ARA 500μg q3w if Hb<13 g/dl or standard support care. Here arte the results. of SAE‘S. Results: A total of 756 pts (373 + ARA/383 -ARA) from 53 sites were enrolled since January 2004, there are 1234 pts. planned up to January 2008. 185 serious adverse events (SAE) are reported. Of these 185 SAE’s 100 (54%) had an ARA-therapy. Most frequent SAE’s were: leucopenia, febrile neutropenia, thrombosis and infections. In 9 (31%) out of the 29 febrile neuropenia SAE’s, ARA was given. 30 thromboses were reported (23+ARA/7-ARA s.) but only 10 at the verty time ARA was given. In 31 severe infections 16 (51,6%; n.s.) were reported in patients receiving ARA Therapy. From 43 patients with intestinal SAE‘s like Diarrhea/Mucositis/Nausea to 30 pts. (69,8 %) ARA eas given. Conclusions: The combination of CT and ARA is safe concerning febrile neutropenia and furthermore appears to be protective factor of this SAE when combined with TAC. There seem to be more SAE‘s concerning thrombosis and intestinal difficulties.These results allow to hypothesize that ARA therapy is associated with higher toxicity concerning thrombosis which could make the use of heparin necessary but on the other side it shows significant reduced neutropenia. No significant financial relationships to disclose.