ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect and safety of combined therapy of paclitaxel and gemcitabine for anthracycine(ANT)-resistant advanced breast cancer(ABC).MethodsFrom May 2000 to Aug 2004,twenty six patients with ANT-resistant ABC were treated with this combined regime.The median chemotherapy cycles were 2.5(range from 2 to 3 cycles).ResultsOf 26 patients, there were 3 complete(11.5%) and 11 partial(42.3%) responses for an overall response rate of 53.8%. Eight cases remained stable (30.8%) and 4 progressive (15.4%). The median survival time was 18 months. The median time to progression was 7 months. The main toxic reaction included bone marrow depression, liver function damage, alopecia, mucositis and peripheral neurotoxicity. ConclusionsCombined medication of gemcitabine and paclitaxel is effective in therapy of ANT-resistant advanced breast cancer with acceptable toxicity.