Feasibility of AC/EC Followed by Weekly Paclitaxel in Node-positive Breast Cancer in Japan

The feasibility and efficacy of adriamycin or epirubicin in combination with cyclophosphamide followed by weekly paclitaxel (AC/EC-weekly PAC) as adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer was investigated. Patients and Methods: Node-positive breast cancer was treated with AC/EC-weekly PAC, namely AC at 60/600 mg/m(2) or EC at 90/600 mg/m(2) x 4 at three-week intervals, followed by weekly PAC (80 mg/m(2)) x 12, namely four cycles of single weekly administration for three weeks followed by a one-week rest (3x4 PAC) or single weekly administration for 12 consecutive weeks (12 PAC). Results: One hundred and three of 109 consecutive patients enrolled were analyzed, of whom 96 (93.2%) completed the regimen. Grade 314 neutropenia occurred in 52.4% receiving AC/EC, and 10.9% of 55 receiving 12 PAC but only 2.1% of 48 receiving 3x4 PAC. Neuropathy disorders occurred in more than half receiving PAC, which did not improve after one-week rest in 3x4 PAC. Conclusion: AC/EC-weekly PAC is feasible and without serious complications.