[Docetaxel in the treatment of advanced breast cancer ]

To evaluate the efficacy, toxicity and safety of an new domestic docetaxel in the treatment of pretreated advanced breast cancer.

Fourty-four breast cancer patients who had failed in first-line chemotherapy were included in this trial. They received docetaxel as the second-line chemotherapy. Docetaxel was administered alone at a dose of 70 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. The use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor to prevent granulocytopenia was not permitted. The response rate and toxicity were evaluated by World Health Organization toxicity scale and performance status by Karnofsky scale.

Of the 41 evaluable patients, 4 achieved complete response and 14 partial remission, with a response rate and clinical benefit rate of 43.9% and 85.4%, respectively. Grade 3 or grade 4 neutropenia developed in 42.9%, alopecia in 7.1% and vomiting in 4.8% of these patients. Fluid retention was not observed in this series.

Three-week administration of docetaxel alone at a dose of 70 mg/m2 is effective and tolerable. It provides an alternative for the pretreated advanced breast cancer patients.