[Docetaxel as a single agent in cases of advanced/recurrent breast cancer previously treated with anthracycline]

Docetaxel 60 mg/m2 was administered via 1-hour intravenous infusion every 3-4 weeks to 20 patients with advanced/recurrent breast cancer who had previously received anthracycline therapy. The overall response rate was 30.0% (6/20), with 1 complete remission and 5 partial remissions. The median response duration was 120 days. Response rates classified by recurrence site were soft tissues 43.0%, liver 33.3%, lung 33.3%, and bone 23.1%, respectively. Stable disease (prolonged NC) which continued more than 6 months was observed in patients with bone metastasis. Grade 3-4 leukocytopenia and neutropenia were observed in 45.0% and 55.0%, respectively. Grade 3-4 leukocytopenia and neutropenia were frequently seen in patients who had received anthracycline of more than 500 mg/body as first-line chemotherapy. Docetaxel thus seems to be effective in patients with advanced/recurrent breast cancer who are refractory to anthracycline therapy.