RÉSUMÉ
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel and capecitabine combination in the treatment of anthracycline-resistant advanced breast carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-three patients with anthracycline-resistant advanced breast carcinoma were treated with docetaxel combined with capecitabine between January 2002 and November 2004. Docetaxel was administered intravenously at a dose of 75 mg/m(2) on D1, and oral intake of capecitabine at a dose of 1600 mg/d on D1 to D14, every 21 days as a cycle. The median number of cycles was 4 (range, 4 approximately 6 cycles).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the 43 patients had a mean follow-up of 15 months. The overall response rate was 62.8%, with a complete response rate of 20.9% and partial response rate of 44.2%. The median survival time was 15 months with a median time to progression of 7.5 months. The one-year and 2-year survival rates were 62.8% and 41.9%, respectively. The quality of life was improved in all patients. The major toxicity and adverse effects were gastrointestinal reaction and hematological toxicity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combination of docetaxel and capecitabine for the treatment of anthracycline-resistant advanced breast carcinoma is effective, safe and tolerable.</p>