First-line mitoxantrone chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer

Results of first-line mitoxantrone chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer are presented. Full dose (14 mg/m2 iv every 3 weeks) was given to 22 patients who had received no previous adjuvant chemotherapy; five (23%) partial responses were seen. No responses were seen in eight patients who had failed adjuvant chemotherapy, of whom seven received full dose. No responses were seen in nine patients receiving lower doses (mean, 10 mg/m2). The overall response rate was 13%. Treatment was well tolerated. Moderate or severe nausea/vomiting and alopecia were infrequent. One patient developed heart failure without predisposing risk factors.