ALTERNATIVE ADMINISTRATION OF EPIRUBICIN, VINCRISTINE AND MITOXANTRONE, VINCRISTINE IN ADVANCED BREAST-CANCER

In an effort to use two non cross-resistent combinations in advanced breast cancer, we combined Mitoxantrone 12 mg/m2 and Vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 alternating to Epirubicin 70 mg/m2 and Vincristine 1.4 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Forty-four evaluable women with a mean age of 49 yr., mean P.S. 80% received this treatment for at least two cycles. Sixteen had previously been given CMF and 14 Tamoxifen. Two (4.5%) patients responded completely, 17 (38.6% responded partially, 7 (15.9%) had stable disease and 18 (40.9%) progressed. Median survival of responders was 76 and 35 weeks for non-responders. Median time of progression was 26.9 wks. Main side effects were alopecia, nausea and vomiting. Myelotoxicity was mild. We conclude that the two combinations of MV and EV given alternatively are no more effective than either one given alone.