Prediction of response to primary systemic chemotherapy involving weekly paclitaxel followed by FEC 100 for advanced breast cancer]

To predict the response to primary systemic chemotherapy (PSC) involving weekly paclitaxel (PTX) followed by FEC100, we analyzed the therapeutic effects of PSC on 58 cases of stage II - III advanced breast cancer, 2 cases of PD, 4 cases of suspension due to adverse events, and 52 successful cases (89.7%). As for clinical effect, CR was observed in 12 cases (23.1%) and PR in 33 cases (63.5%) and for histological effects, grade 3 (pCR) was observed in 7 cases (13.5%) and grade 2 in 13 cases (25.0%). At the time of completion of 4 courses of PTX, SD was observed in 34 out of 52 cases, but the number of SD decreased to 28 cases on completion of 8 courses of PTX, to 19 cases on completion of 12 courses of PTX, and to 7 cases on completion of 4 courses of FEC. In examining the 7 cases of pCR in whom the histological effect was observed, 3 cases of SD were observed on completion of 4 courses of PTX and 2 cases on completion of 8 courses of PTX. Unless PD is observed during the course of PSC, continuation of therapy would be indicated because of the delayed response.