Effective Combination Therapy for Pre-Treated Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights -

A phase II study examining the effectiveness of the irinotecan and docetaxel therapy in pre-treated metastatic breast cancer patients has shown promising results. The study, conducted by G.P. Stathopoulos and colleagues at the Errikos Dunant Hospital, involved 48 patients, all of whom had been previously treated with anthracycline-combined chemotherapy. The results indicated that the irinotecan-docetaxel combination produced a high response rate, with 25 patients showing responses, including 3 complete and 22 partial responses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 48 patients with pre-treated metastatic breast cancer, all of whom had been previously treated with anthracycline-combined chemotherapy.
  • The dominant metastasis sites were the liver (54.17%), lungs (27.08%), soft tissues (12.50%), and skeleton (6.25%).
  • The irinotecan-docetaxel combination produced a high response rate, with 25 patients (52.08%) showing responses, including 3 complete (6.25%) and 22 partial (45.83%) responses.
  • The most responsive metastases were observed at the liver site (53.85%).
  • Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was observed in 18 patients (37.50%), and 14 patients (29.17%) developed anemia and 3 (6.25%) thrombocytopenia.
  • Nonhematologic toxicity, including alopecia and fatigue, was common, with grade 3 diarrhea observed in only 1 patient (2.08%).

Statistics:

  • 48 patients were enrolled in the study, with a median age of 54 years (range 26-77 years).
  • 30 patients were also treated with paclitaxel, and 2 with docetaxel.
  • The irinotecan-docetaxel combination produced a response rate of 52.08% (95% CI 37.95-66.21).
  • The most responsive metastasis site was the liver, with 53.85% of responses.

Sources:

  • Stathopoulos, G.P., et al. (2005). Irinotecan combined with docetaxel in pre-treated metastatic breast cancer patients: a phase II study. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, 56(5), 487-491.
  • Health & Medicine Week editors (2005). Irinotecan and docetaxel therapy found to be effective in pre-treated metastatic breast cancer patients. Health & Medicine Week.