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ABSTRACT: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and toxicity of vinorelbine (N) and epirubicin (E) as the neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC).
From September 2001 to December 2004, 158 patients with LABC were treated with NE chemotherapy before operation. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy containing vinorelbine (N), 25 mg/m(2) (days 1 and 8) and epirubicin (E), 60 mg/m(2) (days 1) was administered every 3 weeks for three cycles before local treatment.
Response in the breast: the clinical objective response was 81.6% [23.4% (37/158) cCR and 58.2% (92/158) PR], 16.5% (26/158) SD and 1.9% (3/158) PD. Pathological complete response was found in 29 cases (18.3%). Eighteen cases (26.5%) who have positive FNA result in the axillary lymphnode before chemotherapy showed negative result in the surgery specimen. The most common toxicities were neutropenia, alopecia and nausea/vomiting. Neutropenia grade 3 - 4 was reported in 111 patients (70.3%) and there was no toxic deaths.
The combination of vinorelbine and epirubicin is a very active and well-tolerated regimen as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the LABC.
Zhonghua wai ke za zhi [Chinese journal of surgery] 07/2006; 44(11):745-7.
