Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer

Thirty-eight patients with locally advanced breast cancer (Stage III) were treated over a 3-year period. All patients initially received two cycles of CMF (cyclophosphamide, 100 mg/m2 p.o. d1-14; methotrexate 40 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.), d1 and d8., 5 Fluorouracil 500 mg/m2 i.v. d1 and d8). They were then subjected to surgery and external beam irradiation to the chest field and drainage areas. Four more cycles of chemotherapy completed the treatment protocol. A response to initial chemotherapy was seen in 75.7% patients, with two patients achieving a complete response. No patient had disease progression while on chemotherapy. Tumor reduction of a degree to allow breast conservation procedures was seen in eight patients. The chemotherapy was well tolerated. Twelve patients failed to complete the treatment protocol. Follow-up for the remaining 26 ranges from 9-40 months (mean 18 months). Ten patients developed a recurrence. Of those, only one had isolated local recurrence, two had local and systemic recurrence, and seven had systemic disease alone. Patients with recurrence were salvaged with further chemotherapy (Adriamycin and cyclophosphamide).