Abstract
The aim of this pilot study was to investigate if chemotherapy (CT) followed by the combination of interferonβ (IFN-β), retinoids, and tamoxifen could be effective in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Thirty-six patients with stage IV carcinoma of the breast were treated with six courses of cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, 4-epidoxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone every 3 weeks (FECPV), followed by two courses of non-cross-resistant drugs, methotrexate, mitomycin C, and mitoxantrone (MMM). Treatment was continued, in responders, with low dose IFN-β, retinyl palmitate, and tamoxifen until relapse of the disease occurred. Among 36 evaluable patients, 23 achieved a clinical response (64%) (95% confidence interval [c.i.] 46%–79%), 7 had stable disease (19%), and 6 (17%) progressed. Leukopenia occurred in 15 patients, thrombocytopenia in 6, and anemia in 11. Sixteen patients had nausea/vomiting, stomatitis was observed in 9, and diarrhea occurred in 3. Toxicity from maintenance therapy was mild and mainly hepatic. Median response duration was 31 months (range 5–107). Median overall survival was 32 months (9–108). Our study shows that this combined approach for the treatment of MBC is feasible, with an acceptable toxicity.
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