[Clinical and histological study on breast cancer treated by preoperative mitoxantrone]

Fifteen patients with breast cancer treated with mitoxantrone preoperatively from December 1986 to June 1983 were evaluated as to treatment validity and histological response. It was shown that the mass in the breast became reduced 7 days after the start of treatment. Intact border and halo were formed around the mass and echo level inside the focus was increased even replacing all hypoecho areas by B-ultrasound. Microscopically, cell karyopyknosis, chromosome breaking plus karyorrhexis, mitochondrial destruction, vacuolization, reactive regeneration of a few capillaries and connective tissues were observed in the resected samples. Preoperative treatment with mitoxantrone helps prevent local recurrence and metastasis after tumor resection.