TAC protocol in early breast cancer: Al Amal hospital experience

ABSTRACT

To assess the efficacy and the tolerability of TAC [docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide] protocol in early breast cancer patients with node positive in the adjuvant treatment 64 patients [median age 46 years] with early node positive breast cancer were studied from October 2003 to May 2009 according to certain inclusion criteria. They received TAC protocol chemotherapy; Disease free survival [DFS], Overall Survival [OS] and toxicity profile were assessed. All except one received six cycles of chemotherapy according to TAC protocol. Median follows-up was 60 months. Disease free [DFS] and Overall Survival [OS] were 77% and 87% respectively. The chemotherapy was well tolerated and the toxicity profile was better in comparison to previously published studies. It is concluded that TAC protocol in the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer is effective and well-tolerated as evident by the toxicity profile provided the G-CSF is started as primary prophylaxis from the first cycle