Clinical evaluation on the effect of paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced breast cancer / 中国普通外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy containing paclitaxel in patients with advanced breast cancer.Methods Chemotherapy containing paclitaxel was used in 30 patients with advanced breast cancer.Paclitaxel was administered by iv infusion at a dose of 135*!mg/m 2 in 3-hour every 3～4 weeks for an average of 4 sessions. All patients received premedication of dexamethasone, diphenhydramine and cimetidine to prevent allergic reactions. Results The overall response rate was 43%(13/30),including complete remission(CR) in 3(10%) cases and partial remission(PR) in 10(33%). The average duration of remission was 1.6 months in CR cases and 5 months in PR cases respectively.The major toxicity associated with paclitaxel administration includes neutropenia,myalgia,arthralgia, numbness of hands and feet,alopecia and flushing of face. Conclusion Paclitaxel is an effective agent for treatment of advanced breast cancer and its side effects are tolerable.