Breast cancer

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Section editor
Gayathri Nagaraj, MD
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA, USA
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Are you looking for a regimen, but can't find it here? It is possible that we've moved it to the historical regimens page. For placebo or observational studies in this condition, please visit this page. If you still can't find it, please let us know so we can add it!
Note: this page contains regimens which were not tested in biomarker-selected populations; many of these trials do still include and stratify patients by biomarker status, however. The following links will take you to biomarker-specific subpages:

Last updated on 2024-09-06:
151 regimens on this page
353 variants on this page


Guidelines

Given the rapid change in evidence in many areas of hematology/oncology, readers are encouraged to consider any guideline published 5+ years ago to be for historical purposes, only.

ASCO/CCO


ASTRO



ESMO/ESO


EUSOMA/SIOG


KSMO/ESMO


NCCN


SEOM-GEICAM-SOLTI


SITC


St Gallen Breast Guidelines


Neoadjuvant therapy, sequential regimens

AC-D

AC-D: Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide followed by Docetaxel

Regimen variant #1, 60/600/75

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Kim et al. 2020 (NEST) 2012-2014 Phase 3 (C) Goserelin & Tamoxifen Inconclusive whether non-inferior clinical response
Hwang et al. 2023 (Neo-shorter) 2012-11 to 2015-12 Phase 3 (C) FEC-D; 3 x 3 Non-inferior pCR rate (primary endpoint)

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (AC x 4; T x 4)

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #2, 60/600/100

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Bear et al. 2003 (NSABP B-27) 1995-2000 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. AC Superior pCR rate (secondary endpoint)

Did not meet primary endpoint of clinical response rate
2. AC, then surgery, then T Not reported
von Minckwitz et al. 2005 (GeparDuo) 1999-2001 Phase 3 (E-esc) ddAT Superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)
pCR rate: 14.3% vs 7%
(OR 2.22, 90% CI 1.52-3.24)

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (AC x 4; T x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. NSABP B-27: Bear HD, Anderson S, Brown A, Smith R, Mamounas EP, Fisher B, Margolese R, Theoret H, Soran A, Wickerham DL, Wolmark N; National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project. The effect on tumor response of adding sequential preoperative docetaxel to preoperative doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide: preliminary results from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocol B-27. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Nov 15;21(22):4165-74. Epub 2003 Oct 14. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00002707
    1. Update: Bear HD, Anderson S, Smith RE, Geyer CE Jr, Mamounas EP, Fisher B, Brown AM, Robidoux A, Margolese R, Kahlenberg MS, Paik S, Soran A, Wickerham DL, Wolmark N. Sequential preoperative or postoperative docetaxel added to preoperative doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide for operable breast cancer: National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocol B-27. J Clin Oncol. 2006 May 1;24(13):2019-27. Epub 2006 Apr 10. link to original article PubMed
    2. Pooled update: Rastogi P, Anderson SJ, Bear HD, Geyer CE, Kahlenberg MS, Robidoux A, Margolese RG, Hoehn JL, Vogel VG, Dakhil SR, Tamkus D, King KM, Pajon ER, Wright MJ, Robert J, Paik S, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Preoperative chemotherapy: updates of National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocols B-18 and B-27. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Feb 10;26(5):778-85. Erratum in: J Clin Oncol. 2008 Jun 1;26(16):2793. link to original article PubMed
  2. GeparDuo: von Minckwitz G, Raab G, Caputo A, Schütte M, Hilfrich J, Blohmer JU, Gerber B, Costa SD, Merkle E, Eidtmann H, Lampe D, Jackisch C, du Bois A, Kaufmann M; GBG. Doxorubicin with cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel every 21 days compared with doxorubicin and docetaxel every 14 days as preoperative treatment in operable breast cancer: the GEPARDUO study of the German Breast Group. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Apr 20;23(12):2676-85. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00793377
  3. NEST: Kim HJ, Noh WC, Lee ES, Jung YS, Kim LS, Han W, Nam SJ, Gong GY, Kim HJ, Ahn SH. Efficacy of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in pre-menopausal patients with oestrogen receptor-positive and HER2-negative, lymph node-positive breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res. 2020 May 27;22(1):54. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01622361
  4. Neo-shorter: Hwang I, Kim JE, Jeong JH, Ahn JH, Jung KH, Son BH, Kim HH, Shin J, Lee HJ, Gong G, Kim SB. Randomized phase III trial of a neoadjuvant regimen of four cycles of adriamycin plus cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of docetaxel (AC4-D4) versus a shorter treatment of three cycles of FEC followed by three cycles of docetaxel (FEC3-D3) in node-positive breast cancer (Neo-shorter; NCT02001506). Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2023 Sep;201(2):193-204. Epub 2023 Jun 26. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT02001506


AC-T

AC-T: Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide followed by Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Ellis et al. 2011 (SWOG 0012) 2001-2005 Phase 3 (C) AC-T; daily cyclophosphamide Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 1 to 5)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 6 to 17)

21-day cycle for 5 cycles, then 7-day cycle for 12 cycles (AC x 5; T x 12)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. SWOG 0012: Ellis GK, Barlow WE, Gralow JR, Hortobagyi GN, Russell CA, Royce ME, Perez EA, Lew D, Livingston RB. Phase III comparison of standard doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide versus weekly doxorubicin and daily oral cyclophosphamide plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor as neoadjuvant therapy for inflammatory and locally advanced breast cancer: SWOG 0012. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Mar 10;29(8):1014-21. Epub 2011 Jan 10. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed NCT00016406


D-AC

D-AC: Docetaxel followed by Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Bear et al. 2012 (NSABP B-40) 2007-2010 Phase 3 (C) 1. D-AC+Bev
2. TG-AC+Bev
3. TX-AC+Bev 		Seems to have inferior pCR rate
4. TG-AC
5. TX-AC 		Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (D x 4; AC x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. NSABP B-40: Bear HD, Tang G, Rastogi P, Geyer CE Jr, Robidoux A, Atkins JN, Baez-Diaz L, Brufsky AM, Mehta RS, Fehrenbacher L, Young JA, Senecal FM, Gaur R, Margolese RG, Adams PT, Gross HM, Costantino JP, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Bevacizumab added to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2012 Jan 26;366(4):310-20. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00408408
    1. Update: Bear HD, Tang G, Rastogi P, Geyer CE Jr, Liu Q, Robidoux A, Baez-Diaz L, Brufsky AM, Mehta RS, Fehrenbacher L, Young JA, Senecal FM, Gaur R, Margolese RG, Adams PT, Gross HM, Costantino JP, Paik S, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Neoadjuvant plus adjuvant bevacizumab in early breast cancer (NSABP B-40 [NRG Oncology]): secondary outcomes of a phase 3, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2015 Sep;16(9):1037-1048. Epub 2015 Aug 10. Erratum in: Lancet Oncol. 2015 Dec;16(16):e589. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


D-AC+Bev

D-AC+Bev: Docetaxel followed by Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide, with Bevacizumab

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Bear et al. 2012 (NSABP B-40) 2007-2010 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. D-AC
2. TG-AC
3. TX-AC 		Seems to have superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)
4. TG-AC+Bev
5. TX-AC+Bev 		Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

Targeted therapy, both portions

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (D x 4; AC x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. NSABP B-40: Bear HD, Tang G, Rastogi P, Geyer CE Jr, Robidoux A, Atkins JN, Baez-Diaz L, Brufsky AM, Mehta RS, Fehrenbacher L, Young JA, Senecal FM, Gaur R, Margolese RG, Adams PT, Gross HM, Costantino JP, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Bevacizumab added to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2012 Jan 26;366(4):310-20. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00408408
    1. Update: Bear HD, Tang G, Rastogi P, Geyer CE Jr, Liu Q, Robidoux A, Baez-Diaz L, Brufsky AM, Mehta RS, Fehrenbacher L, Young JA, Senecal FM, Gaur R, Margolese RG, Adams PT, Gross HM, Costantino JP, Paik S, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Neoadjuvant plus adjuvant bevacizumab in early breast cancer (NSABP B-40 [NRG Oncology]): secondary outcomes of a phase 3, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2015 Sep;16(9):1037-1048. Epub 2015 Aug 10. Erratum in: Lancet Oncol. 2015 Dec;16(16):e589. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


D-FEC

D-FEC: Docetaxel followed by Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Earl et al. 2015 (ARTemis) 2009-2013 Phase 3 (C) D-FEC+Bev Seems to have inferior pCR rate

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 4 to 6)

21-day cycle for 6 cycles (D x 3; FEC x 3)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. ARTemis: Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Blenkinsop C, Grybowicz L, Vallier AL, Abraham J, Thomas J, Provenzano E, Hughes-Davies L, Gounaris I, McAdam K, Chan S, Ahmad R, Hickish T, Houston S, Rea D, Bartlett J, Caldas C, Cameron DA, Hayward L; ARTemis Investigators. Efficacy of neoadjuvant bevacizumab added to docetaxel followed by fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide, for women with HER2-negative early breast cancer (ARTemis): an open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2015 Jun;16(6):656-66. Epub 2015 May 11. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01093235
    1. Update: Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Blenkinsop C, Grybowicz L, Vallier AL, Gounaris I, Abraham JE, Hughes-Davies L, McAdam K, Chan S, Ahmad R, Hickish T, Rea D, Caldas C, Bartlett JMS, Cameron DA, Provenzano E, Thomas J, Hayward RL; ARTemis Investigators Group. Disease-free and overall survival at 3.5 years for neoadjuvant bevacizumab added to docetaxel followed by fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, for women with HER2 negative early breast cancer: ARTemis Trial. Ann Oncol. 2017 Aug 1;28(8):1817-1824. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


D-FEC+Bev

D-FEC+Bev: Docetaxel followed by Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide, with Bevacizumab

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Earl et al. 2015 (ARTemis) 2009-2013 Phase 3 (E-esc) D-FEC Seems to have superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)
pCR rate: 22% vs 17%

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 4 to 6)

Targeted therapy, both portions

21-day cycle for 6 cycles (D x 3; FEC x 3)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. ARTemis: Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Blenkinsop C, Grybowicz L, Vallier AL, Abraham J, Thomas J, Provenzano E, Hughes-Davies L, Gounaris I, McAdam K, Chan S, Ahmad R, Hickish T, Houston S, Rea D, Bartlett J, Caldas C, Cameron DA, Hayward L; ARTemis Investigators. Efficacy of neoadjuvant bevacizumab added to docetaxel followed by fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide, for women with HER2-negative early breast cancer (ARTemis): an open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2015 Jun;16(6):656-66. Epub 2015 May 11. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01093235
    1. Update: Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Blenkinsop C, Grybowicz L, Vallier AL, Gounaris I, Abraham JE, Hughes-Davies L, McAdam K, Chan S, Ahmad R, Hickish T, Rea D, Caldas C, Bartlett JMS, Cameron DA, Provenzano E, Thomas J, Hayward RL; ARTemis Investigators Group. Disease-free and overall survival at 3.5 years for neoadjuvant bevacizumab added to docetaxel followed by fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, for women with HER2 negative early breast cancer: ARTemis Trial. Ann Oncol. 2017 Aug 1;28(8):1817-1824. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


EC-D

EC-D: Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Docetaxel

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
von Minckwitz et al. 2010 (GeparQuattro) 2005 to not reported Phase 3 (C) 1. EC-TX
2. EC-T-X 		Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate
von Minckwitz et al. 2012 (GeparQuinto) 2007-2010 Phase 3 (C) EC-D+Bev Seems to have inferior pCR rate (primary endpoint)

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (EC x 4; D x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. GeparQuattro: von Minckwitz G, Rezai M, Loibl S, Fasching PA, Huober J, Tesch H, Bauerfeind I, Hilfrich J, Eidtmann H, Gerber B, Hanusch C, Kühn T, du Bois A, Blohmer JU, Thomssen C, Dan Costa S, Jackisch C, Kaufmann M, Mehta K, Untch M. Capecitabine in addition to anthracycline- and taxane-based neoadjuvant treatment in patients with primary breast cancer: phase III GeparQuattro study. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Apr 20;28(12):2015-23. Epub 2010 Mar 22. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00288002
    1. Update: von Minckwitz G, Rezai M, Fasching PA, Huober J, Tesch H, Bauerfeind I, Hilfrich J, Eidtmann H, Gerber B, Hanusch C, Blohmer JU, Dan Costa S, Jackisch C, Paepke S, Schneeweiss A, Kümmel S, Denkert C, Mehta K, Loibl S, Untch M. Survival after adding capecitabine and trastuzumab to neoadjuvant anthracycline-taxane-based chemotherapy for primary breast cancer (GBG 40--GeparQuattro). Ann Oncol. 2014 Jan;25(1):81-9. Epub 2013 Nov 21. link to original article PubMed
  2. GeparQuinto: von Minckwitz G, Eidtmann H, Rezai M, Fasching PA, Tesch H, Eggemann H, Schrader I, Kittel K, Hanusch C, Kreienberg R, Solbach C, Gerber B, Jackisch C, Kunz G, Blohmer JU, Huober J, Hauschild M, Fehm T, Müller BM, Denkert C, Loibl S, Nekljudova V, Untch M; German Breast Group; Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie–Breast Study Groups. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and bevacizumab for HER2-negative breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2012 Jan 26;366(4):299-309. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00567554


EC-T

EC-T: Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Untch et al. 2011 (PREPARE) 2002-2005 Phase 3 (C) ddE-ddT-CMF Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS36: 75.8% vs 78.8%

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (EC x 4; T x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. PREPARE: Untch M, von Minckwitz G, Konecny GE, Conrad U, Fett W, Kurzeder C, Lück HJ, Stickeler E, Urbaczyk H, Liedtke B, Beckmann MW, Salat C, Harbeck N, Müller V, Schmidt M, Hasmüller S, Lenhard M, Nekljudova V, Lebeau A, Loibl S, Fasching PA; Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie PREPARE investigators. PREPARE trial: a randomized phase III trial comparing preoperative, dose-dense, dose-intensified chemotherapy with epirubicin, paclitaxel, and CMF versus a standard-dosed epirubicin-cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel with or without darbepoetin alfa in primary breast cancer--outcome on prognosis. Ann Oncol. 2011 Sep;22(9):1999-2006. Epub 2011 Mar 7. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00544232


EC-ddT

EC-ddT: Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide, followed by dose-dense Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Earl et al. 2013 (Neo-tAnGo) 2005-2007 Phase 3 (C) 1. ddT-EC Seems to have inferior pCR rate
2. EC-ddTG
3. ddTG-EC 		Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, ddT portion (cycles 5 to 8)

Supportive therapy, T portion

  • Primary G-CSF propyhylaxis not provided

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 14-day cycle for 4 cycles (EC x 4; ddT x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. Neo-tAnGo: Earl HM, Vallier AL, Hiller L, Fenwick N, Young J, Iddawela M, Abraham J, Hughes-Davies L, Gounaris I, McAdam K, Houston S, Hickish T, Skene A, Chan S, Dean S, Ritchie D, Laing R, Harries M, Gallagher C, Wishart G, Dunn J, Provenzano E, Caldas C; Neo-tAnGo Investigators. Effects of the addition of gemcitabine, and paclitaxel-first sequencing, in neoadjuvant sequential epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel for women with high-risk early breast cancer (Neo-tAnGo): an open-label, 2x2 factorial randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2014 Feb;15(2):201-12. Epub 2013 Dec 19. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00070278


FEC-D

FEC-D: Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide followed by Docetaxel

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Hwang et al. 2023 (Neo-shorter) 2012-11 to 2015-12 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) AC-D; 4 x 4 Non-inferior pCR rate (primary endpoint)

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 4 to 6)

21-day cycle for 6 cycles (FEC x 3; D x 3)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. Neo-shorter: Hwang I, Kim JE, Jeong JH, Ahn JH, Jung KH, Son BH, Kim HH, Shin J, Lee HJ, Gong G, Kim SB. Randomized phase III trial of a neoadjuvant regimen of four cycles of adriamycin plus cyclophosphamide followed by four cycles of docetaxel (AC4-D4) versus a shorter treatment of three cycles of FEC followed by three cycles of docetaxel (FEC3-D3) in node-positive breast cancer (Neo-shorter; NCT02001506). Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2023 Sep;201(2):193-204. Epub 2023 Jun 26. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT02001506


nP-EC

nP-EC: nab-Paclitaxel followed by Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Untch et al. 2016 (GeparSepto) 2012-07-30 to 2013-12-23 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) T-EC Superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)
pCR rate: 38% vs 29%
(OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.20-1.95)

Note: this is the dose after study amendment due to increased treatment discontinuation and sensory neuropathy.

Chemotherapy, nP portion (cycles 1 to 12)

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 13 to 16)

7-day cycle for 12 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (nP x 12; EC x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. GeparSepto: Untch M, Jackisch C, Schneeweiss A, Conrad B, Aktas B, Denkert C, Eidtmann H, Wiebringhaus H, Kümmel S, Hilfrich J, Warm M, Paepke S, Just M, Hanusch C, Hackmann J, Blohmer JU, Clemens M, Darb-Esfahani S, Schmitt WD, Dan Costa S, Gerber B, Engels K, Nekljudova V, Loibl S, von Minckwitz G; German Breast Group; Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie—Breast (AGO-B) Investigators. Nab-paclitaxel versus solvent-based paclitaxel in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer (GeparSepto-GBG 69): a randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2016 Mar;17(3):345-56. Epub 2016 Feb 8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01583426
    1. Update: Furlanetto J, Jackisch C, Untch M, Schneeweiss A, Schmatloch S, Aktas B, Denkert C, Wiebringhaus H, Kümmel S, Warm M, Paepke S, Just M, Hanusch C, Hackmann J, Blohmer JU, Clemens M, Costa SD, Gerber B, Nekljudova V, Loibl S, von Minckwitz G. Efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel 125 mg/m(2) and nab-paclitaxel 150 mg/m(2) compared to paclitaxel in early high-risk breast cancer: results from the neoadjuvant randomized GeparSepto study (GBG 69). Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2017 Jun;163(3):495-506. Epub 2017 Mar 17. link to original article PubMed
  2. ETNA: Gianni L, Mansutti M, Anton A, Calvo L, Bisagni G, Bermejo B, Semiglazov V, Thill M, Chacon JI, Chan A, Morales S, Alvarez I, Plazaola A, Zambetti M, Redfern AD, Dittrich C, Dent RA, Magazzù D, De Fato R, Valagussa P, Tusquets I. Comparing neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel vs paclitaxel both followed by anthracycline regimens in women with ERBB2/HER2-negative breast cancer-the Evaluating Treatment with Neoadjuvant Abraxane (ETNA) trial: a randomized phase 3 clinical trial. JAMA Oncol. 2018 Mar 1;4(3):302-308. Epub 2018 Jan 11. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed NCT01822314


nP-ddEC

nP-ddEC: nab-Paclitaxel followed by dose-dense Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Gluz et al. 2023 (WSG-ADAPT-HR+/HER2-) 2013-05 to 2019-09 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) ddT-ddEC Superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)
pCR rate: 20.8% vs 12.9%

Biomarker eligibility criteria

  • HR+ and HER2-

Chemotherapy, nP portion (cycles 1 to 8)

Chemotherapy, ddEC portion (cycles 9 to 12)

Supportive therapy, ddEC portion (cycles 9 to 12)

7-day cycle for 8 cycles, then 14-day cycle for 4 cycles (nP x 8; ddEC x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. WSG-ADAPT-HR+/HER2-: Gluz O, Kuemmel S, Nitz U, Braun M, Lüdtke-Heckenkamp K, von Schumann R, Darsow M, Forstbauer H, Potenberg J, Uleer C, Grischke EM, Aktas B, Schumacher C, Zu Eulenburg C, Kates R, Jóźwiak K, Graeser M, Wuerstlein R, Baehner R, Christgen M, Kreipe HH, Harbeck N. Nab-paclitaxel weekly versus dose-dense solvent-based paclitaxel followed by dose-dense epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide in high-risk HR+/HER2- early breast cancer: results from the neoadjuvant part of the WSG-ADAPT-HR+/HER2- trial. Ann Oncol. 2023 Jun;34(6):531-542. Epub 2023 Apr 14. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01779206


T-AC

T-AC: Taxol (Paclitaxel), followed by Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Gianni et al. 2018 (ETNA) 2013-2015 Phase 3 (C) 1a. nab-Paclitaxel-AC
1b. nP-EC
1c. nP-FEC 		Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

28-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (T x 4; AC x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. ETNA: Gianni L, Mansutti M, Anton A, Calvo L, Bisagni G, Bermejo B, Semiglazov V, Thill M, Chacon JI, Chan A, Morales S, Alvarez I, Plazaola A, Zambetti M, Redfern AD, Dittrich C, Dent RA, Magazzù D, De Fato R, Valagussa P, Tusquets I. Comparing neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel vs paclitaxel both followed by anthracycline regimens in women with ERBB2/HER2-negative breast cancer-the Evaluating Treatment with Neoadjuvant Abraxane (ETNA) trial: a randomized phase 3 clinical trial. JAMA Oncol. 2018 Mar 1;4(3):302-308. Epub 2018 Jan 11. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed NCT01822314


T-EC

T-EC: Taxol (Paclitaxel), followed by Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen variant #1, 80 mg/m2 paclitaxel

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Untch et al. 2016 (GeparSepto) 2012-07-30 to 2013-12-23 Phase 3 (C) nP-EC Inferior pCR rate

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 1 to 12)

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 13 to 16)

7-day cycle for 12 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (T x 12; EC x 4)

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #2, 90 mg/m2, 3 out of 4 weeks

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Gianni et al. 2018 (ETNA) 2013-2015 Phase 3 (C) 1a. nP-AC
1b. nP-EC
1c. nP-FEC 		Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

28-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (T x 4; EC x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. GeparSepto: Untch M, Jackisch C, Schneeweiss A, Conrad B, Aktas B, Denkert C, Eidtmann H, Wiebringhaus H, Kümmel S, Hilfrich J, Warm M, Paepke S, Just M, Hanusch C, Hackmann J, Blohmer JU, Clemens M, Darb-Esfahani S, Schmitt WD, Dan Costa S, Gerber B, Engels K, Nekljudova V, Loibl S, von Minckwitz G; German Breast Group; Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynäkologische Onkologie—Breast (AGO-B) Investigators. Nab-paclitaxel versus solvent-based paclitaxel in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer (GeparSepto-GBG 69): a randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2016 Mar;17(3):345-56. Epub 2016 Feb 8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01583426
    1. Update: Furlanetto J, Jackisch C, Untch M, Schneeweiss A, Schmatloch S, Aktas B, Denkert C, Wiebringhaus H, Kümmel S, Warm M, Paepke S, Just M, Hanusch C, Hackmann J, Blohmer JU, Clemens M, Costa SD, Gerber B, Nekljudova V, Loibl S, von Minckwitz G. Efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel 125 mg/m(2) and nab-paclitaxel 150 mg/m(2) compared to paclitaxel in early high-risk breast cancer: results from the neoadjuvant randomized GeparSepto study (GBG 69). Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2017 Jun;163(3):495-506. Epub 2017 Mar 17. link to original article PubMed
  2. ETNA: Gianni L, Mansutti M, Anton A, Calvo L, Bisagni G, Bermejo B, Semiglazov V, Thill M, Chacon JI, Chan A, Morales S, Alvarez I, Plazaola A, Zambetti M, Redfern AD, Dittrich C, Dent RA, Magazzù D, De Fato R, Valagussa P, Tusquets I. Comparing neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel vs paclitaxel both followed by anthracycline regimens in women with ERBB2/HER2-negative breast cancer-the Evaluating Treatment with Neoadjuvant Abraxane (ETNA) trial: a randomized phase 3 clinical trial. JAMA Oncol. 2018 Mar 1;4(3):302-308. Epub 2018 Jan 11. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed NCT01822314


ddT-EC

ddT-EC: dose-dense Taxol (Paclitaxel), followed by Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Earl et al. 2013 (Neo-tAnGo) 2005-2007 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) 1. EC-ddT Seems to have superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)
2. EC-ddTG
3. ddTG-EC 		Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy, ddT portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Supportive therapy, T portion

  • Primary G-CSF propyhylaxis not provided

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

14-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (ddT x 4; EC x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. Neo-tAnGo: Earl HM, Vallier AL, Hiller L, Fenwick N, Young J, Iddawela M, Abraham J, Hughes-Davies L, Gounaris I, McAdam K, Houston S, Hickish T, Skene A, Chan S, Dean S, Ritchie D, Laing R, Harries M, Gallagher C, Wishart G, Dunn J, Provenzano E, Caldas C; Neo-tAnGo Investigators. Effects of the addition of gemcitabine, and paclitaxel-first sequencing, in neoadjuvant sequential epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel for women with high-risk early breast cancer (Neo-tAnGo): an open-label, 2x2 factorial randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2014 Feb;15(2):201-12. Epub 2013 Dec 19. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00070278


ddT-ddEC

ddT-ddEC: dose-dense Taxol (Paclitaxel), followed by dose-dense Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Gluz et al. 2023 (WSG-ADAPT-HR+/HER2-) 2013-05 to 2019-09 Phase 3 (C) nP-ddEC Inferior pCR rate (primary endpoint)

Note: to our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Biomarker eligibility criteria

  • HR+ and HER2-

Chemotherapy, ddT portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, ddEC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

Supportive therapy, ddEC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

14-day cycle for 8 cycles (ddT x 4; ddEC x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. WSG-ADAPT-HR+/HER2-: Gluz O, Kuemmel S, Nitz U, Braun M, Lüdtke-Heckenkamp K, von Schumann R, Darsow M, Forstbauer H, Potenberg J, Uleer C, Grischke EM, Aktas B, Schumacher C, Zu Eulenburg C, Kates R, Jóźwiak K, Graeser M, Wuerstlein R, Baehner R, Christgen M, Kreipe HH, Harbeck N. Nab-paclitaxel weekly versus dose-dense solvent-based paclitaxel followed by dose-dense epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide in high-risk HR+/HER2- early breast cancer: results from the neoadjuvant part of the WSG-ADAPT-HR+/HER2- trial. Ann Oncol. 2023 Jun;34(6):531-542. Epub 2023 Apr 14. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01779206


T-FAC

T-FAC: Taxol (Paclitaxel), followed by Fluorouracil, Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), Cyclophosphamide

Regimen variant #1, weekly paclitaxel for N0 disease

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Green et al. 2005 1998-2001 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) T-FAC; q3wk paclitaxel Seems to have superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 1 to 12)

Chemotherapy, FAC portion (cycles 13 to 16)

7-day cycle for 12 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (T x 12; FAC x 4)

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #2, weekly paclitaxel for N+ disease

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Green et al. 2005 1998-2001 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) T-FAC; q3wk paclitaxel Seems to have superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, FAC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

28-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (T x 4; FAC x 4)

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #3, q3wk paclitaxel

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Green et al. 2005 1998-2001 Phase 3 (C) T-FAC; weekly paclitaxel Seems to have inferior pCR rate

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, FAC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (T x 4; FAC x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. Green MC, Buzdar AU, Smith T, Ibrahim NK, Valero V, Rosales MF, Cristofanilli M, Booser DJ, Pusztai L, Rivera E, Theriault RL, Carter C, Frye D, Hunt KK, Symmans WF, Strom EA, Sahin AA, Sikov W, Hortobagyi GN. Weekly paclitaxel improves pathologic complete remission in operable breast cancer when compared with paclitaxel once every 3 weeks. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Sep 1;23(25):5983-92. Epub 2005 Aug 8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


T-FEC

T-FEC: Taxol (Paclitaxel), followed by Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen variant #1, 80/500/100/500

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Kelly et al. 2012 (MDACC ID01-580) 2002-2008 Phase 3 (C) TX-FEC Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 1 to 12)

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 13 to 16)

7-day cycle for 12 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (T x 12; FEC x 4)

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #2, 90/600/90/600

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Gianni et al. 2018 (ETNA) 2013-2015 Phase 3 (C) 1a. nP-AC
1b. nP-EC
1c. nP-FEC 		Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

28-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (T x 4; FEC x 4)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. MDACC ID01-580: Kelly CM, Green MC, Broglio K, Thomas ES, Brewster AM, Valero V, Ibrahim NK, Gonzalez-Angulo AM, Booser DJ, Walters RS, Hunt KK, Hortobagyi GN, Buzdar AU. Phase III trial evaluating weekly paclitaxel versus docetaxel in combination with capecitabine in operable breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Mar 20;30(9):930-5. Epub 2012 Feb 13. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00050167
  2. ETNA: Gianni L, Mansutti M, Anton A, Calvo L, Bisagni G, Bermejo B, Semiglazov V, Thill M, Chacon JI, Chan A, Morales S, Alvarez I, Plazaola A, Zambetti M, Redfern AD, Dittrich C, Dent RA, Magazzù D, De Fato R, Valagussa P, Tusquets I. Comparing neoadjuvant nab-paclitaxel vs paclitaxel both followed by anthracycline regimens in women with ERBB2/HER2-negative breast cancer-the Evaluating Treatment with Neoadjuvant Abraxane (ETNA) trial: a randomized phase 3 clinical trial. JAMA Oncol. 2018 Mar 1;4(3):302-308. Epub 2018 Jan 11. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed NCT01822314


Neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Capecitabine & Docetaxel (TX)

TX: Taxotere (Docetaxel) & Xeloda (Capecitabine)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Lee et al. 2007 2002-2005 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) AC Seems to have superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. Lee KS, Ro J, Nam BH, Lee ES, Kwon Y, Kwon HS, Chung KW, Kang HS, Kim EA, Kim SW, Shin KH, Kim SK. A randomized phase-III trial of docetaxel/capecitabine versus doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide as primary chemotherapy for patients with stage II/III breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008 Jun;109(3):481-9. Epub 2007 Jul 26. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


Cyclophosphamide & Doxorubicin (AC)

AC: Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen variant #1, 4 cycles

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Fisher et al. 1997 (NSABP B-18) 1988-1993 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) Adjuvant AC Superior resectability
Bear et al. 2003 (NSABP B-27) 1995-2000 Phase 3 (C) 1. AC-D Inferior pCR rate
2. AC, then surgery, then T Not reported
Lee et al. 2007 2002-2005 Phase 3 (C) TX Seems to have inferior pCR rate

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #2, 6 cycles

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Smith et al. 2004 (TOPIC) 1995-1999 Phase 3 (C) ECisF Did not meet co-primary endpoints of RFS/OS
Chua et al. 2005 (TOPIC 2) 1998-2002 Phase 3 (C) VE Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
Evans et al. 2005 1999-2001 Phase 3 (C) AD Did not meet primary endpoint of ORR

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. NSABP B-18: Fisher B, Brown A, Mamounas E, Wieand S, Robidoux A, Margolese RG, Cruz AB Jr, Fisher ER, Wickerham DL, Wolmark N, DeCillis A, Hoehn JL, Lees AW, Dimitrov NV. Effect of preoperative chemotherapy on local-regional disease in women with operable breast cancer: findings from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-18. J Clin Oncol. 1997 Jul;15(7):2483-93. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Fisher B, Bryant J, Wolmark N, Mamounas E, Brown A, Fisher ER, Wickerham DL, Begovic M, DeCillis A, Robidoux A, Margolese RG, Cruz AB Jr, Hoehn JL, Lees AW, Dimitrov NV, Bear HD. Effect of preoperative chemotherapy on the outcome of women with operable breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1998 Aug;16(8):2672-85. link to original article PubMed
    2. Update: Wolmark N, Wang J, Mamounas E, Bryant J, Fisher B. Preoperative chemotherapy in patients with operable breast cancer: nine-year results from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-18. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2001;(30):96-102. link to original article PubMed
    3. Pooled update: Taghian A, Jeong JH, Mamounas E, Anderson S, Bryant J, Deutsch M, Wolmark N. Patterns of locoregional failure in patients with operable breast cancer treated by mastectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy with or without tamoxifen and without radiotherapy: results from five National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project randomized clinical trials. J Clin Oncol. 2004 Nov 1;22(21):4247-54. Epub 2004 Sep 27. link to original article PubMed
    4. Pooled update: Rastogi P, Anderson SJ, Bear HD, Geyer CE, Kahlenberg MS, Robidoux A, Margolese RG, Hoehn JL, Vogel VG, Dakhil SR, Tamkus D, King KM, Pajon ER, Wright MJ, Robert J, Paik S, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Preoperative chemotherapy: updates of National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocols B-18 and B-27. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Feb 10;26(5):778-85. Erratum in: J Clin Oncol. 2008 Jun 1;26(16):2793. link to original article PubMed
  2. NSABP B-27: Bear HD, Anderson S, Brown A, Smith R, Mamounas EP, Fisher B, Margolese R, Theoret H, Soran A, Wickerham DL, Wolmark N; National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project. The effect on tumor response of adding sequential preoperative docetaxel to preoperative doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide: preliminary results from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocol B-27. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Nov 15;21(22):4165-74. Epub 2003 Oct 14. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00002707
    1. Update: Bear HD, Anderson S, Smith RE, Geyer CE Jr, Mamounas EP, Fisher B, Brown AM, Robidoux A, Margolese R, Kahlenberg MS, Paik S, Soran A, Wickerham DL, Wolmark N. Sequential preoperative or postoperative docetaxel added to preoperative doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide for operable breast cancer: National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocol B-27. J Clin Oncol. 2006 May 1;24(13):2019-27. Epub 2006 Apr 10. link to original article PubMed
    2. Pooled update: Rastogi P, Anderson SJ, Bear HD, Geyer CE, Kahlenberg MS, Robidoux A, Margolese RG, Hoehn JL, Vogel VG, Dakhil SR, Tamkus D, King KM, Pajon ER, Wright MJ, Robert J, Paik S, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Preoperative chemotherapy: updates of National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocols B-18 and B-27. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Feb 10;26(5):778-85. Erratum in: J Clin Oncol. 2008 Jun 1;26(16):2793. link to original article PubMed
  3. TOPIC: Smith IE, A'Hern RP, Coombes GA, Howell A, Ebbs SR, Hickish TF, O'Brien ME, Mansi JL, Wilson CB, Robinson AC, Murray PA, Price CG, Perren TJ, Laing RW, Bliss JM; TOPIC Trial Group. A novel continuous infusional 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy regimen compared with conventional chemotherapy in the neo-adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer: 5 year results of the TOPIC trial. Ann Oncol. 2004 May;15(5):751-8. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  4. Evans TR, Yellowlees A, Foster E, Earl H, Cameron DA, Hutcheon AW, Coleman RE, Perren T, Gallagher CJ, Quigley M, Crown J, Jones AL, Highley M, Leonard RC, Mansi JL; Anglo-Celtic Cooperative Oncology Group. Phase III randomized trial of doxorubicin and docetaxel versus doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide as primary medical therapy in women with breast cancer: an Anglo-Celtic Cooperative Oncology Group study. J Clin Oncol. 2005 May 1;23(13):2988-95. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Mansi JL, Yellowlees A, Lipscombe J, Earl HM, Cameron DA, Coleman RE, Perren T, Gallagher CJ, Quigley M, Crown J, Jones AL, Highley M, Leonard RC, Evans TR. Five-year outcome for women randomised in a phase III trial comparing doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide with doxorubicin and docetaxel as primary medical therapy in early breast cancer: an Anglo-Celtic Cooperative Oncology Group study. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2010 Aug;122(3):787-94. Epub 2010 Jun 18. link to original article PubMed
  5. TOPIC 2: Chua S, Smith IE, A'Hern RP, Coombes GA, Hickish TF, Robinson AC, Laing RW, O'Brien ME, Ebbs SR, Hong A, Wardley A, Mughal T, Verrill M, Dubois D, Bliss JM; TOPIC Trial Group. Neoadjuvant vinorelbine/epirubicin (VE) versus standard adriamycin/cyclophosphamide (AC) in operable breast cancer: analysis of response and tolerability in a randomised phase III trial (TOPIC 2). Ann Oncol. 2005 Sep;16(9):1435-41. Epub 2005 Jun 9. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  6. Lee KS, Ro J, Nam BH, Lee ES, Kwon Y, Kwon HS, Chung KW, Kang HS, Kim EA, Kim SW, Shin KH, Kim SK. A randomized phase-III trial of docetaxel/capecitabine versus doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide as primary chemotherapy for patients with stage II/III breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008 Jun;109(3):481-9. Epub 2007 Jul 26. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


Dose-dense Cyclophosphamide & Doxorubicin (ddAC)

ddAC: dose-dense Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) and Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence
Burstein et al. 2005 2003-2004 Non-randomized

Note: this is a component of a sequential treatment protocol; to our knowledge there are no references to support using it as a stand-alone treatment.

Chemotherapy

Supportive therapy

14-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. Burstein HJ, Parker LM, Keshaviah A, Doherty J, Partridge AH, Schapira L, Ryan PD, Younger J, Harris LN, Moy B, Come SE, Schumer ST, Bunnell CA, Haldoupis M, Gelman R, Winer EP. Efficacy of pegfilgrastim and darbepoetin alfa as hematopoietic support for dose-dense every-2-week adjuvant breast cancer chemotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Nov 20;23(33):8340-7. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


Dose-dense Docetaxel & Doxorubicin (ddAT)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
von Minckwitz et al. 2005 (GeparDuo) 1999-2001 Phase 3 (C) AC-D Inferior pCR rate

Chemotherapy

Supportive therapy

14-day cycle for 4 cycles

References

  1. GeparDuo: von Minckwitz G, Raab G, Caputo A, Schütte M, Hilfrich J, Blohmer JU, Gerber B, Costa SD, Merkle E, Eidtmann H, Lampe D, Jackisch C, du Bois A, Kaufmann M; GBG. Doxorubicin with cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel every 21 days compared with doxorubicin and docetaxel every 14 days as preoperative treatment in operable breast cancer: the GEPARDUO study of the German Breast Group. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Apr 20;23(12):2676-85. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00793377


DI EC

DI EC: Dose-Intense Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence
Gonçalves et al. 2015 (UNICANCER PEGASE 07) 2001-2005 Non-randomized part of phase 3 RCT

Note: This regimen required hematopoeitic stem cell support; see paper for details.

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. UNICANCER PEGASE 07: Gonçalves A, Pierga JY, Ferrero JM, Mouret-Reynier MA, Bachelot T, Delva R, Fabbro M, Lerebours F, Lotz JP, Linassier C, Dohollou N, Eymard JC, Leduc B, Lemonnier J, Martin AL, Boher JM, Viens P, Roché H. UNICANCER-PEGASE 07 study: a randomized phase III trial evaluating postoperative docetaxel-5FU regimen after neoadjuvant dose-intense chemotherapy for treatment of inflammatory breast cancer. Ann Oncol. 2015 Aug;26(8):1692-7. Epub 2015 May 5. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT02324088


Docetaxel & Epirubicin (DE)

DE: Docetaxel & Epirubicin
ED: Epirubicin & Docetaxel
ET: Epirubicin & Taxotere (Docetaxel)

Regimen variant #1, 3 cycles

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Steger et al. 2007 (ABCSG-14) 1999-2002 Phase 3 (C) ED x 6 Inferior pCR rate
Chen et al. 2017 (CBCRT01) 2011-2015 Phase 3 (C) DEE Inferior ORR

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 3 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #2, 4 cycles

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Han et al. 2009 2003-2005 Phase 3 (C) ED x 6 Seems to have inferior pCR rate

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #3, 6 cycles

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Steger et al. 2007 (ABCSG-14) 1999-2002 Phase 3 (E-esc) ED x 3 Superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)
Han et al. 2009 2003-2005 Phase 3 (E-esc) ED x 4 Seems to have superior pCR rate (secondary endpoint)
Steger et al. 2013 (ABCSG-24) 2004-2008 Phase 3 (C) EDC Seems to have inferior pCR rate

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. ABCSG-14: Steger GG, Galid A, Gnant M, Mlineritsch B, Lang A, Tausch C, Rudas M, Greil R, Wenzel C, Singer CF, Haid A, Pöstlberger S, Samonigg H, Luschin-Ebengreuth G, Kwasny W, Klug E, Kubista E, Menzel C, Jakesz R; ABCSG. Pathologic complete response with six compared with three cycles of neoadjuvant epirubicin plus docetaxel and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in operable breast cancer: results of ABCSG-14. J Clin Oncol. 2007 May 20;25(15):2012-8. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  2. Han S, Kim J, Lee J, Chang E, Gwak G, Cho H, Yang KH, Park S, Park K. Comparison of 6 cycles versus 4 cycles of neoadjuvant epirubicin plus docetaxel chemotherapy in stages II and III breast cancer. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2009 Jun;35(6):583-7. Epub 2009 Feb 5. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  3. ABCSG-24: Steger GG, Greil R, Lang A, Rudas M, Fitzal F, Mlineritsch B, Hartmann BL, Bartsch R, Melbinger E, Hubalek M, Stoeger H, Dubsky P, Ressler S, Petzer AL, Singer CF, Muss C, Jakesz R, Gampenrieder SP, Zielinski CC, Fesl C, Gnant M; ABCSG. Epirubicin and docetaxel with or without capecitabine as neoadjuvant treatment for early breast cancer: final results of a randomized phase III study (ABCSG-24). Ann Oncol. 2014 Feb;25(2):366-71. Epub 2013 Dec 16. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00309556
  4. CBCRT01: Chen J, Yao Q, Huang M, Wang B, Zhang J, Wang T, Ming Y, Zhou X, Jia Q, Huan Y, Wang J, Wang L. A randomized Phase III trial of neoadjuvant recombinant human endostatin, docetaxel and epirubicin as first-line therapy for patients with breast cancer (CBCRT01). Int J Cancer. 2018 May 15;142(10):2130-2138. Epub 2017 Dec 23. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01479036


EDC

EDC: Epirubicin, Docetaxel, Capecitabine

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Steger et al. 2013 (ABCSG-24) 2004-2008 Phase 3 (E-esc) ED Seems to have superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. ABCSG-24: Steger GG, Greil R, Lang A, Rudas M, Fitzal F, Mlineritsch B, Hartmann BL, Bartsch R, Melbinger E, Hubalek M, Stoeger H, Dubsky P, Ressler S, Petzer AL, Singer CF, Muss C, Jakesz R, Gampenrieder SP, Zielinski CC, Fesl C, Gnant M; ABCSG. Epirubicin and docetaxel with or without capecitabine as neoadjuvant treatment for early breast cancer: final results of a randomized phase III study (ABCSG-24). Ann Oncol. 2014 Feb;25(2):366-71. Epub 2013 Dec 16. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00309556


Epirubicin monotherapy

E: Epirubicin

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Bottini et al. 2005 1997-2002 Phase 3 (C) Epirubicin & Tamoxifen Did not meet primary endpoint of clinical RR

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 3 to 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. Bottini A, Berruti A, Brizzi MP, Bersiga A, Generali D, Allevi G, Aguggini S, Bolsi G, Bonardi S, Tondelli B, Vana F, Tampellini M, Alquati P, Dogliotti L. Cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of the single agent epirubicin versus epirubicin plus tamoxifen as primary chemotherapy in human breast cancer: a single-institution phase III trial. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2005 Jun;12(2):383-92. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


Epirubicin & Paclitaxel (EP)

EP: Epirubicin & Paclitaxel
ET: Epirubicin & Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Untch et al. 2009 (TECHNO) 1998-2002 Phase 3 (C) ddE-P Seems to have inferior OS
Frasci et al. 2006 1999-2004 Phase 3 (C) PET Seems to have inferior pCR rate

Note: this is a component of a sequential treatment protocol; to our knowledge there are no references to support using it as a stand-alone treatment.

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

  • Frasci et al. 2006: Surgery, then adjuvant CMF x 4 or FEC x 4, depending on number of involved lymph nodes
  • TECHNO: Surgery, then adjuvant CMF x 3

References

  1. Frasci G, D'Aiuto G, Comella P, Thomas R, Botti G, Di Bonito M, De Rosa V, Iodice G, Rubulotta MR, Comella G; Southern Italy Cooperative Oncology Group. Weekly cisplatin, epirubicin, and paclitaxel with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support vs triweekly epirubicin and paclitaxel in locally advanced breast cancer: final analysis of a SICOG phase III study. Br J Cancer. 2006 Oct 23;95(8):1005-12. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed
  2. TECHNO: Untch M, Möbus V, Kuhn W, Muck BR, Thomssen C, Bauerfeind I, Harbeck N, Werner C, Lebeau A, Schneeweiss A, Kahlert S, von Koch F, Petry KU, Wallwiener D, Kreienberg R, Albert US, Lück HJ, Hinke A, Jänicke F, Konecny GE. Intensive dose-dense compared with conventionally scheduled preoperative chemotherapy for high-risk primary breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2009 Jun 20;27(18):2938-45. Epub 2009 Apr 13. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


FAC

FAC: Fluorouracil, Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), Cyclophosphamide

Regimen variant #1, 500/50/500

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Arun et al. 2011 (MDACC 91-0156) 1992-1997 Phase 3 (C) DI FAC Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #2, 600/50/600

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Baldini et al. 1997 Not reported in abstract Phase 3 (C) DES-CAF Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 3 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #3, 1000/50/500

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Buzdar et al. 1999 1994-1998 Phase 3 (C) Paclitaxel; q3wk x 4 Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Note: this is a component of a sequential treatment protocol; to our knowledge there are no references to support using it as a stand-alone treatment.

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #4, 2000/50/100

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Scholl et al. 1994 (S6) 1986-1990 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) Adjuvant FAC Seems to have superior OS

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. S6: Scholl SM, Fourquet A, Asselain B, Pierga JY, Vilcoq JR, Durand JC, Dorval T, Palangié T, Jouve M, Beuzeboc P, Garcio-Giralt E, Salmon RJ, de la Rochefordiere A, Campana F, Pouillart P. Neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemotherapy in premenopausal patients with tumours considered too large for breast conserving surgery: preliminary results of a randomised trial: S6. Eur J Cancer. 1994;30A(5):645-52. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  2. Baldini E, Gardin G, Giannessi P, Brema F, Camorriano A, Carnino F, Naso C, Pastorino G, Pronzato P, Rosso R, Rubagotti A, Torretta G, Conte PF; North-West Oncology Group. A randomized trial of chemotherapy with or without estrogenic recruitment in locally advanced breast cancer. Tumori. 1997 Sep-Oct;83(5):829-33. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  3. Buzdar AU, Singletary SE, Theriault RL, Booser DJ, Valero V, Ibrahim N, Smith TL, Asmar L, Frye D, Manuel N, Kau SW, McNeese M, Strom E, Hunt K, Ames F, Hortobagyi GN. Prospective evaluation of paclitaxel versus combination chemotherapy with fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with operable breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1999 Nov;17(11):3412-7. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  4. MDACC 91-0156: Arun BK, Dhinghra K, Valero V, Kau SW, Broglio K, Booser D, Guerra L, Yin G, Walters R, Sahin A, Ibrahim N, Buzdar AU, Frye D, Sneige N, Strom E, Ross M, Theriault RL, Vadhan-Raj S, Hortobagyi GN. Phase III randomized trial of dose intensive neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without G-CSF in locally advanced breast cancer: long-term results. Oncologist. 2011;16(11):1527-34. Epub 2011 Oct 31. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed


FEC

FEC: Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide

Regimen variant #1, 600/60/600 x 3

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Baldini et al. 2003 1992-1997 Phase 3 (C) ddFEC Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Note: This was a component of a sequential treatment protocol; to our knowledge there are no references to support using it as a stand-alone treatment.

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 3 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #2, 600/60/600 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
van der Hage et al. 2001 (EORTC 10902) 1991-1999 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) FEC; adjuvant Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #3, 1000/120/1050 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Therasse et al. 2003 (EORTC 10921) 1993-1996 Phase 3 (C) ddEC Did not meet primary endpoint of PFS

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. EORTC 10902: van der Hage JA, van de Velde CJ, Julien JP, Tubiana-Hulin M, Vandervelden C, Duchateau L. Preoperative chemotherapy in primary operable breast cancer: results from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer trial 10902. J Clin Oncol. 2001 Nov 15;19(22):4224-37. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: van Nes JG, Putter H, Julien JP, Tubiana-Hulin M, van de Vijver M, Bogaerts J, de Vos M, van de Velde CJ; Cooperating Investigators of the EORTC. Preoperative chemotherapy is safe in early breast cancer, even after 10 years of follow-up; clinical and translational results from the EORTC trial 10902. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2009 May;115(1):101-13. Epub 2008 May 18. link to original article PubMed
  2. Baldini E, Gardin G, Giannessi PG, Evangelista G, Roncella M, Prochilo T, Collecchi P, Rosso R, Lionetto R, Bruzzi P, Mosca F, Conte PF. Accelerated versus standard cyclophosphamide, epirubicin and 5-fluorouracil or cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil: a randomized phase III trial in locally advanced breast cancer. Ann Oncol. 2003 Feb;14(2):227-32. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  3. EORTC 10921: Therasse P, Mauriac L, Welnicka-Jaskiewicz M, Bruning P, Cufer T, Bonnefoi H, Tomiak E, Pritchard KI, Hamilton A, Piccart MJ; EORTC. Final results of a randomized phase III trial comparing cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil with a dose-intensified epirubicin and cyclophosphamide + filgrastim as neoadjuvant treatment in locally advanced breast cancer: an EORTC-NCIC-SAKK multicenter study. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Mar 1;21(5):843-50. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


iddEPC

iddEPC: intense dose-dense Epirubicin, Paclitaxel, Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Schneeweiss et al. 2018 (GeparOcto) 2014-12 to 2016-06 Phase 3 (C) NPLD & Paclitaxel Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Note: G-CSF details are from the adjuvant trial; see paper for exact details.

Chemotherapy, iddE portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, iddP portion (cycles 4 to 6)

Chemotherapy, iddC portion (cycles 7 to 9)

Supportive therapy, all portions (cycles 1 to 9)

14-day cycle for 9 cycles (iddE x 3; iddP x 3; iddC x 3)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. GeparOcto: Schneeweiss A, Möbus V, Tesch H, Hanusch C, Denkert C, Lübbe K, Huober J, Klare P, Kümmel S, Untch M, Kast K, Jackisch C, Thomalla J, Ingold-Heppner B, Blohmer JU, Rezai M, Frank M, Engels K, Rhiem K, Fasching PA, Nekljudova V, von Minckwitz G, Loibl S. Intense dose-dense epirubicin, paclitaxel, cyclophosphamide versus weekly paclitaxel, liposomal doxorubicin (plus carboplatin in triple-negative breast cancer) for neoadjuvant treatment of high-risk early breast cancer (GeparOcto-GBG 84): A randomised phase III trial. Eur J Cancer. 2019 Jan;106:181-192. Epub 2018 Dec 5. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT02125344
    1. Update: Schneeweiss A, Michel LL, Möbus V, Tesch H, Klare P, Hahnen E, Denkert C, Kast K, Pohl-Rescigno E, Hanusch C, Link T, Untch M, Jackisch C, Blohmer JU, Fasching PA, Solbach C, Schmutzler RK, Huober J, Rhiem K, Nekljudova V, Lübbe K, Loibl S; GBG and AGO-B. Survival analysis of the randomised phase III GeparOcto trial comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy of intense dose-dense epirubicin, paclitaxel, cyclophosphamide versus weekly paclitaxel, liposomal doxorubicin (plus carboplatin in triple-negative breast cancer) for patients with high-risk early breast cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2022 Jan;160:100-111. Epub 2021 Nov 17. link to original article PubMed


Paclitaxel monotherapy, dose-dense (q2wk)

ddT: dose-dense Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Burstein et al. 2005 2003-2004 Non-randomized

Note: this is a component of a sequential treatment protocol; to our knowledge there are no references to support using it as a stand-alone treatment.

Preceding treatment

  • Neoadjuvant ddAC x 4

Chemotherapy

Supportive therapy

14-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. Burstein HJ, Parker LM, Keshaviah A, Doherty J, Partridge AH, Schapira L, Ryan PD, Younger J, Harris LN, Moy B, Come SE, Schumer ST, Bunnell CA, Haldoupis M, Gelman R, Winer EP. Efficacy of pegfilgrastim and darbepoetin alfa as hematopoietic support for dose-dense every-2-week adjuvant breast cancer chemotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Nov 20;23(33):8340-7. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


PET

PET: Platinol (Cisplatin), Epirubicin, Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Frasci et al. 2006 1999-2004 Phase 3 (E-esc) EP Seems to have superior pCR rate (primary endpoint)

Chemotherapy

7-day cycle for 12 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. Frasci G, D'Aiuto G, Comella P, Thomas R, Botti G, Di Bonito M, De Rosa V, Iodice G, Rubulotta MR, Comella G; Southern Italy Cooperative Oncology Group. Weekly cisplatin, epirubicin, and paclitaxel with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support vs triweekly epirubicin and paclitaxel in locally advanced breast cancer: final analysis of a SICOG phase III study. Br J Cancer. 2006 Oct 23;95(8):1005-12. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed


TAC (Docetaxel)

TAC: Taxotere (Docetaxel), Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), Cyclophosphamide
ATC: Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), Taxotere (Docetaxel), Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
von Minckwitz et al. 2008 (GeparTrio) 2002-2005 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) TAC x 2, then NX x 4 Non-inferior sonographic response (primary endpoint)
Vriens et al. 2013 (INTENS) 2006-2009 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) AC-D Did not meet primary endpoint of pCR rate

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. GeparTrio: von Minckwitz G, Kümmel S, Vogel P, Hanusch C, Eidtmann H, Hilfrich J, Gerber B, Huober J, Costa SD, Jackisch C, Loibl S, Mehta K, Kaufmann M; GBG. Neoadjuvant vinorelbine-capecitabine versus docetaxel-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide in early nonresponsive breast cancer: phase III randomized GeparTrio trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008 Apr 16;100(8):542-51. Epub 2008 Apr 8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00544765
    1. Update: von Minckwitz G, Kümmel S, Vogel P, Hanusch C, Eidtmann H, Hilfrich J, Gerber B, Huober J, Costa SD, Jackisch C, Loibl S, Mehta K, Kaufmann M; German Breast Group. Intensified neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early-responding breast cancer: phase III randomized GeparTrio study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008 Apr 16;100(8):552-62. Epub 2008 Apr 8. link to original article PubMed
  2. INTENS: Vriens BE, Aarts MJ, de Vries B, van Gastel SM, Wals J, Smilde TJ, van Warmerdam LJ, de Boer M, van Spronsen DJ, Borm GF, Tjan-Heijnen VC; BOOG. Doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide with concurrent versus sequential docetaxel as neoadjuvant treatment in patients with breast cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2013 Oct;49(15):3102-10. Epub 2013 Jul 10. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00314977
    1. Update: Vriens BEPJ, Vriens IJH, Aarts MJB, van Gastel SM, van den Berkmortel FWPJ, Smilde TJ, van Warmerdam LJC, van Spronsen DJ, Peer PGM, de Boer M, Tjan-Heijnen VCG; BOOG. Improved survival for sequentially as opposed to concurrently delivered neoadjuvant chemotherapy in non-metastatic breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2017 Oct;165(3):593-600. Epub 2017 Jul 3. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


Neoadjuvant response criteria

Clinical response rate (cRR)

Although fairly dated, some trials such as ACOSOG Z1031 make use of the WHO criteria for response to neoadjuvant therapy. Included here primarily for historical purposes.

References

  1. Miller AB, Hoogstraten B, Staquet M, Winkler A. Reporting results of cancer treatment. Cancer. 1981 Jan 1;47(1):207-14. link to original article PubMed


Miller-Payne scoring system

  • Grade 1: No change or some changes to individual malignant cells, but no reduction in overall cellularity
  • Grade 2: Minor loss of tumor cells (up to 30%), but overall cellularity still high
  • Grade 3: An estimated 30 to 90% reduction in the number of tumor cells
  • Grade 4: Marked disappearance of tumor cells such that only small clusters or widely dispersed individual cells remain (loss of greater than 90% of tumor cells)
  • Grade 5: No invasive cancer cells identifiable in sections from the site of the tumor (carcinoma in situ may be present)

References

  1. Ogston KN, Miller ID, Payne S, Hutcheon AW, Sarkar TK, Smith I, Schofield A, Heys SD. A new histological grading system to assess response of breast cancers to primary chemotherapy: prognostic significance and survival. Breast. 2003 Oct;12(5):320-7. link to original article PubMed


Residual cancer burden (RCB)

  • The RCB is calculated as follows: RCB = 1.4 (finv*dprim)0.17 + [4(1 - 0.75LN)dmet]0.17
    • where dprim is derived from the bidimensional diameters of the primary tumor bed in the resected specimen, finv is the proportion of the primary tumor bed that contains invasive carcinoma, LN is the number of axillary lymph nodes containing metastatic carcinoma, and dmet is the diameter of the largest metastasis in an axillary lymph node.
    • The cut-off points are 1.36 and 3.28.

References

  1. Symmans WF, Peintinger F, Hatzis C, Rajan R, Kuerer H, Valero V, Assad L, Poniecka A, Hennessy B, Green M, Buzdar AU, Singletary SE, Hortobagyi GN, Pusztai L. Measurement of residual breast cancer burden to predict survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2007 Oct 1;25(28):4414-22. Epub 2007 Sep 4. link to original article PubMed


Residual disease in breast and nodes (RDBN)

  • Level 1: pCR in breast and nodes with or without in situ carcinoma
  • Levels 2 to 4: Residual disease, calculated as 0.2 (residual breast tumor size in cm) + index of involved nodes (0 for no positive nodes, 1 for 1 to 4 positive nodes, 2 for 5 to 7 positive nodes, and 3 for 8 positive nodes) + the Scarff–Bloom–Richardson grade (1, 2, or 3). The cut-off points are 3 and 4.3.

References

  1. Chollet P, Abrial C, Durando X, Thivat E, Tacca O, Mouret-Reynier MA, Leheurteur M, Kwiatkowski F, Dauplat J, Penault-Llorca F. A new prognostic classification after primary chemotherapy for breast cancer: residual disease in breast and nodes (RDBN). Cancer J. 2008 Mar-Apr;14(2):128-32. link to original article PubMed


Sataloff's classification

  • Breast:
    • T-A: Total or nearly total therapeutic effect
    • T-B: Greater than 50% therapeutic effect
    • T-C: Less than 50% therapeutic effect
    • T-D: No therapeutic effect
  • Lymph node:
    • N-A: Therapeutic effect but no metastasis
    • N-B: No metastasis, no therapeutic effect
    • N-C: Therapeutic effect but metastasis
    • N-D: Metastasis, no therapeutic effect

References

  1. Sataloff DM, Mason BA, Prestipino AJ, Seinige UL, Lieber CP, Baloch Z. Pathologic response to induction chemotherapy in locally advanced carcinoma of the breast: a determinant of outcome. J Am Coll Surg. 1995 Mar;180(3):297-306. PubMed


Tumor response ratio

Calculated as follows: Residual breast disease observed upon pathologic examination divided by the size of the tumor on the pre-neoadjuvant therapy image.

  • TRR = 0: pathologic complete response (pCR)
  • TRR greater than 0 up to 0.4: strong partial response
  • TRR greater than 0.4 up to 1.0: weak partial response (WPR)
  • TRR greater than 1.0: tumor growth

References

  1. Miller M, Ottesen RA, Niland JC, Kruper L, Chen SL, Vito C. Tumor response ratio predicts overall survival in breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Ann Surg Oncol. 2014 Oct;21(10):3317-23. Epub 2014 Jul 25. link to original article PubMed


ypTNM staging

This system is proprietary to the AJCC. Please visit their site or consult the AJCC Manual for further details.


Adjuvant therapy, sequential regimens

A-CMF

A-CMF: Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) followed by Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil

Regimen variant #1, 75 x 4 --> 600/40/600 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Gianni et al. 2009 (ECTO) 1996-2002 Phase 3 (C) 1. AT-CMF; adjuvant Seems to have inferior RFS
2. AT-CMF; neoadjuvant Not directly compared
Fernando et al. 2019 (SECRAB) 1998-2004 Phase 3 (C) 1a. CMF & RT
1b. E-CMF & RT
1c. A-CMF & RT
1d. MMM & RT 		Inferior LRFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, A portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 28-day cycle for 4 cycles (A x 4; CMF x 4)


Regimen variant #2, 75 x 4 --> 600/40/600 x 8

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Buzzoni et al. 1991 (Milan trial) 1982-1987 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) A/CMF x 12 Superior OS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, A portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 12)

21-day cycle for 12 cycles (A x 4; CMF x 8)


Regimen variant #3, 75 x 4 --> 600/50/600 x 8

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Leonard et al. 2004 1995-1999 Phase 3 (C) Cyclophosphamide & Thiotepa with auto HSCT Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, A portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 12)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 28-day cycle for 8 cycles (A x 4; CMF x 8)


Regimen variant #4, 75 x 4 --> 1400/80/1200 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Fernando et al. 2019 (SECRAB) 1998-2004 Phase 3 (C) 1a. CMF & RT
1b. E-CMF & RT
1c. A-CMF & RT
1d. MMM & RT 		Inferior LRFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, A portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 28-day cycle for 4 cycles (A x 4; CMF x 4)

References

  1. Milan trial: Buzzoni R, Bonadonna G, Valagussa P, Zambetti M. Adjuvant chemotherapy with doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil in the treatment of resectable breast cancer with more than three positive axillary nodes. J Clin Oncol. 1991 Dec;9(12):2134-40. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Bonadonna G, Zambetti M, Valagussa P. Sequential or alternating doxorubicin and CMF regimens in breast cancer with more than three positive nodes: ten-year results. JAMA. 1995 Feb 15;273(7):542-7. link to original article PubMed
  2. Leonard RC, Lind M, Twelves C, Coleman R, van Belle S, Wilson C, Ledermann J, Kennedy I, Barrett-Lee P, Perren T, Verrill M, Cameron D, Foster E, Yellowlees A, Crown J; Anglo-Celtic Cooperative Oncology Group. Conventional adjuvant chemotherapy versus single-cycle, autograft-supported, high-dose, late-intensification chemotherapy in high-risk breast cancer patients: a randomized trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2004 Jul 21;96(14):1076-83. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  3. ECTO: Gianni L, Baselga J, Eiermann W, Porta VG, Semiglazov V, Lluch A, Zambetti M, Sabadell D, Raab G, Cussac AL, Bozhok A, Martinez-Agulló A, Greco M, Byakhov M, Lopez JJ, Mansutti M, Valagussa P, Bonadonna G. Phase III trial evaluating the addition of paclitaxel to doxorubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil, as adjuvant or primary systemic therapy: European Cooperative Trial in Operable Breast Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2009 May 20;27(15):2474-81. Epub 2009 Mar 30. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003013
  4. SECRAB: Fernando IN, Bowden SJ, Herring K, Brookes CL, Ahmed I, Marshall A, Grieve R, Churn M, Spooner D, Latief TN, Agrawal RK, Brunt AM, Stevens A, Goodman A, Canney P, Bishop J, Ritchie D, Dunn J, Poole CJ, Rea DW; SECRAB Investigators. Synchronous versus sequential chemo-radiotherapy in patients with early stage breast cancer (SECRAB): A randomised, phase III, trial. Radiother Oncol. 2020 Jan;142:52-61. Epub 2019 Nov 27. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003893


ddA-ddT-ddC

ddA-ddT-ddC: dose-dense Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), followed by dose-dense Taxol (Paclitaxel), followed by dose-dense Cyclophosphamide

Regimen variant #1, 60/175/600

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Citron et al. 2003 (CALGB 9741) 1997-1999 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. A-T-C
2. AC-T 		Seems to have superior OS (secondary endpoint)

Superior DFS (primary endpoint)
3. ddAC-ddT Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, ddA portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, ddT portion (cycles 5 to 8)

Supportive therapy, ddT portion (cycles 5 to 8)

Chemotherapy, ddC portion (cycles 9 to 12)

Supportive therapy, all portions (cycles 1 to 12)

  • Filgrastim (Neupogen) 5 mcg/kg (rounded to either 300 or 480 mcg) SC once per day on days 3 to 10
    • Note: Citron et al. 2003 says the schedule was "filgrastim days 3 to 10 of each cycle (a total of seven doses)," so it is unclear whether 7 or 8 doses was actually used).

14-day cycle for 12 cycles (ddA x 4; ddT x 4; ddC x 4)


Regimen variant #2, 60/200/800

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence
Kahan et al. 2005 2000-2003 Phase 2

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, ddA portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, ddT portion (cycles 5 to 8)

Chemotherapy, ddC portion (cycles 9 to 12)

Supportive therapy, all portions (cycles 1 to 12)

14-day cycle for 12 cycles (ddA x 4; ddT x 4; ddC x 4)

References

  1. CALGB 9741: Citron ML, Berry DA, Cirrincione C, Hudis C, Winer EP, Gradishar WJ, Davidson NE, Martino S, Livingston R, Ingle JN, Perez EA, Carpenter J, Hurd D, Holland JF, Smith BL, Sartor CI, Leung EH, Abrams J, Schilsky RL, Muss HB, Norton L. Randomized trial of dose-dense versus conventionally scheduled and sequential versus concurrent combination chemotherapy as postoperative adjuvant treatment of node-positive primary breast cancer: first report of Intergroup Trial C9741/Cancer and Leukemia Group B Trial 9741. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Apr 15;21(8):1431-9. Epub 2003 Feb 13. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003088
  2. Kahan Z, Uhercsak G, Hajnal-Papp R, Boda K, Thurzo L. Dose-dense sequential adriamycin-paclitaxel-cyclophosphamide chemotherapy is well tolerated and safe in high-risk early breast cancer. Oncology. 2005;68(4-6):446-53. Epub 2005 Jul 13. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Kelemen G, Uhercsák G, Ormándi K, Eller J, Thurzó L, Kahán Z. Long-term efficiency and toxicity of adjuvant dose-dense sequential adriamycin-Paclitaxel-cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in high-risk breast cancer. Oncology. 2010;78(3-4):271-3. Epub 2010 Jun 7. link to original article PubMed


AC-CMF

AC-CMF: Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide followed by Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Colleoni et al. 2006 (IBCSG 13-93) 1993-1999 Non-randomized part of phase 3 RCT
Basser et al. 2006 (IBCSG 15-95) 1995-2000 Phase 3 (C) EC; dose-intense Seems to have inferior DFS1
Francis et al. 2008 (BIG 02-98) 1998-2001 Phase 3 (C) 1. A-CMF Not reported
2. A-D-CMF
3. AD-CMF 		Might have inferior DFS2

1Reported efficacy for IBCSG 15-95 is based on the 2009 update.
2Reported efficacy for BIG 02-98 is based on the 2015 update.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 7)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 28-day cycle for 3 cycles (AC x 4; CMF x 3)

Subsequent treatment

References

  1. IBCSG 15-95: Basser RL, O'Neill A, Martinelli G, Green MD, Peccatori F, Cinieri S, Coates AS, Gelber RD, Aebi S, Castiglione-Gertsch M, Viale G, Price KN, Goldhirsch A; International Breast Cancer Study Group. Multicycle dose-intensive chemotherapy for women with high-risk primary breast cancer: results of International Breast Cancer Study Group Trial 15-95. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jan 20;24(3):370-8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00002784
    1. Update: Colleoni M, Sun Z, Martinelli G, Basser RL, Coates AS, Gelber RD, Green MD, Peccatori F, Cinieri S, Aebi S, Viale G, Price KN, Goldhirsch A; International Breast Cancer Study Group. The effect of endocrine responsiveness on high-risk breast cancer treated with dose-intensive chemotherapy: results of International Breast Cancer Study Group Trial 15-95 after prolonged follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2009 Aug;20(8):1344-51. Epub 2009 May 25. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  2. IBCSG 13-93: Colleoni M, Gelber S, Goldhirsch A, Aebi S, Castiglione-Gertsch M, Price KN, Coates AS, Gelber RD; International Breast Cancer Study Group. Tamoxifen after adjuvant chemotherapy for premenopausal women with lymph node-positive breast cancer: International Breast Cancer Study Group Trial 13-93. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Mar 20;24(9):1332-41. Epub 2006 Feb 27. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  3. BIG 02-98: Francis P, Crown J, Di Leo A, Buyse M, Balil A, Andersson M, Nordenskjöld B, Lang I, Jakesz R, Vorobiof D, Gutiérrez J, van Hazel G, Dolci S, Jamin S, Bendahmane B, Gelber RD, Goldhirsch A, Castiglione-Gertsch M, Piccart-Gebhart M; BIG. Adjuvant chemotherapy with sequential or concurrent anthracycline and docetaxel: Breast International Group 02-98 randomized trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008 Jan 16;100(2):121-33. Epub 2008 Jan 8. Erratum in: J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008 Nov 19;100(22):1655. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00174655
    1. Update: Oakman C, Francis PA, Crown J, Quinaux E, Buyse M, De Azambuja E, Margeli Vila M, Andersson M, Nordenskjöld B, Jakesz R, Thürlimann B, Gutiérrez J, Harvey V, Punzalan L, Dell'orto P, Larsimont D, Steinberg I, Gelber RD, Piccart-Gebhart M, Viale G, Di Leo A. Overall survival benefit for sequential doxorubicin-docetaxel compared with concurrent doxorubicin and docetaxel in node-positive breast cancer--8-year results of the Breast International Group 02-98 phase III trial. Ann Oncol. 2013 May;24(5):1203-11. Epub 2013 Jan 4. link to original article PubMed
    2. Update: Sonnenblick A, Francis PA, Azim HA Jr, de Azambuja E, Nordenskjöld B, Gutiérez J, Quinaux E, Mastropasqua MG, Ameye L, Anderson M, Lluch A, Gnant M, Goldhirsch A, Di Leo A, Barnadas A, Cortes-Funes H, Piccart M, Crown J. Final 10-year results of the Breast International Group 2-98 phase III trial and the role of Ki67 in predicting benefit of adjuvant docetaxel in patients with oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2015 Aug;51(12):1481-9. Epub 2015 Jun 11. link to original article PubMed


AC-D

AC-D: Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide followed by Docetaxel

Regimen variant #1, q3wk docetaxel 75 mg/m2

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Watanabe et al. 2017 (NSAS BC-02) 2001-2006 Phase 3 (C) 1. AC-T
2. Paclitaxel x 8 		Seems to have superior OS (secondary endpoint)
(HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.57-0.98)
3. Docetaxel x 8 Inconclusive whether non-inferior DFS (primary endpoint)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (AC x 4; D x 4)


Regimen variant #2, q3wk docetaxel 100 mg/m2

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Sparano et al. 2008 (ECOG E1199) 1999-2002 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) 1. AC-T; q3wk paclitaxel Seems to have superior DFS (primary endpoint)
2. AC-T; weekly paclitaxel
3. AC-D; weekly docetaxel 		Not reported
Swain et al. 2010 (NSABP B-30) 1999-2004 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) 1. AT Seems to have superior OS (primary endpoint)
2. TAC Might have superior OS (primary endpoint)
Eiermann et al. 2011 (BCIRG-005) 2000-2003 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) TAC Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS60

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (AC x 4; D x 4)


Regimen variant #3, weekly docetaxel

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Sparano et al. 2008 (ECOG E1199) 1999-2002 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) 1. AC-T; q3wk paclitaxel Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
2. AC-T; weekly paclitaxel
3. AC-D; q3wk docetaxel 		Not reported

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 5 to 16)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 7-day cycle for 12 cycles (AC x 4; D x 12)

References

  1. ECOG E1199: Sparano JA, Wang M, Martino S, Jones V, Perez EA, Saphner T, Wolff AC, Sledge GW Jr, Wood WC, Davidson NE. Weekly paclitaxel in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2008 Apr 17;358(16):1663-71. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00004125
    1. Update: Sparano JA, Zhao F, Martino S, Ligibel JA, Perez EA, Saphner T, Wolff AC, Sledge GW Jr, Wood WC, Davidson NE. Long-term follow-up of the E1199 phase III trial evaluating the role of taxane and schedule in operable breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2015 Jul 20;33(21):2353-60. Epub 2015 Jun 15. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  2. NSABP B-30: Swain SM, Jeong JH, Geyer CE Jr, Costantino JP, Pajon ER, Fehrenbacher L, Atkins JN, Polikoff J, Vogel VG, Erban JK, Rastogi P, Livingston RB, Perez EA, Mamounas EP, Land SR, Ganz PA, Wolmark N. Longer therapy, iatrogenic amenorrhea, and survival in early breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2010 Jun 3;362(22):2053-65. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003782
  3. BCIRG-005: Eiermann W, Pienkowski T, Crown J, Sadeghi S, Martín M, Chan A, Saleh M, Sehdev S, Provencher L, Semiglazov V, Press M, Sauter G, Lindsay MA, Riva A, Buyse M, Drevot P, Taupin H, Mackey JR. Phase III study of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide with concomitant versus sequential docetaxel as adjuvant treatment in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-normal, node-positive breast cancer: BCIRG-005 trial. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Oct 10;29(29):3877-84. Epub 2011 Sep 12. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00312208
    1. Update: Mackey JR, Pieńkowski T, Crown J, Sadeghi S, Martín M, Chan A, Saleh M, Sehdev S, Provencher L, Semiglazov V, Press MF, Sauter G, Lindsay M, Houé V, Buyse M, Drevot P, Hitier S, Bensfia S, Eiermann W; Translational Research In Oncology (TRIO)/ Breast Cancer International Research Group (BCIRG)-005 investigators. Long-term outcomes after adjuvant treatment of sequential versus combination docetaxel with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide in node-positive breast cancer: BCIRG-005 randomized trial. Ann Oncol. 2016 Jun;27(6):1041-7. Epub 2016 Mar 2. link to original article PubMed
  4. NSAS BC-02: Watanabe T, Kuranami M, Inoue K, Masuda N, Aogi K, Ohno S, Iwata H, Mukai H, Uemura Y, Ohashi Y. Comparison of an AC-taxane versus AC-free regimen and paclitaxel versus docetaxel in patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer: final results of the National Surgical Adjuvant Study of Breast Cancer 02 trial, a randomized comparative phase 3 study. Cancer. 2017 Mar 1;123(5):759-768. Epub 2017 Jan 12. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed


AC-T

AC-T: Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide followed by Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen variant #1, weekly paclitaxel

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Sparano et al. 2008 (ECOG E1199) 1999-2002 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) 1. AC-T; q3wk paclitaxel Superior OS (secondary endpoint)
OS60: 89.7% vs 86.5%
(HR 0.76, 98.3% CI 0.58-0.98)
2. AC-D; q3wk docetaxel
3. AC-D; weekly docetaxel 		Not reported
Miller et al. 2018 (ECOG E5103) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) 1a. AC-T & Bevacizumab
1b. ddAC-T & Bevacizumab
2a. AC-T & Bevacizumab, then Bevacizumab
2b. ddAC-T & Bevacizumab, then Bevacizumab 		Did not meet primary endpoint of IDFS
Fehrenbacher et al. 2019 (NSABP B-47) 2011-2015 Phase 3 (C) 1a. AC-TH
1b. ddAC-TH
1c. TCH 		Did not meet primary endpoint of IDFS
IDFS60: 89.2% vs 89.8%
(HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.80-1.32)

Biomarker eligibility criteria

  • NSABP B-47: HER2 IHC of 1+ or 2+ with FISH ratio less than 2 or HER2 gene copy number less than 4

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 5 to 16)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 7-day cycle for 12 cycles (AC x 4; T x 12)


Regimen variant #2, q3wk paclitaxel 175 mg/m2

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Henderson et al. 2003 (INT 0148/CALGB 9344) 1994-1999 Phase 3 (E-RT-esc) 1. AC; standard-dose
2. AC; high-dose
3. AC; very high-dose 		Superior OS (secondary endpoint)
4. AC-T; high-dose AC
5. AC-T; very high-dose AC 		Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
Citron et al. 2003 (CALGB 9741) 1997-1999 Phase 3 (C) 1. A-T-C Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
2. ddA-ddC-ddT
3. ddAC-ddT 		Seems to have inferior OS
Sparano et al. 2008 (ECOG E1199) 1999-2002 Phase 3 (C) 1. AC-T; weekly paclitaxel Inferior OS
2. AC-D; q3wk docetaxel Seems to have inferior DFS
3. AC-D; weekly docetaxel Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
Loesch et al. 2010 2000-2002 Phase 3 (C) See link See link
Burnell et al. 2009 (NCIC-CTG MA.21) 2000-2005 Phase 3 (C) 1. ddEC-T
2. CEF 		Inferior RFS
Watanabe et al. 2017 (NSAS BC-02) 2001-2006 Phase 3 (C) 1. AC-D
2. Docetaxel x 8 		Seems to have inferior OS (secondary endpoint)
3. Paclitaxel x 8 Inconclusive whether non-inferior DFS (primary endpoint)
Sparano et al. 2018 (TAILORx) 2006-2010 Phase 3 (C) No chemotherapy Non-inferior IDFS (primary endpoint)

Eligibility criteria

  • TAILORx: Oncotype DX score of 11 to 25

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (AC x 4; T x 4)


Regimen variant #3, q3wk paclitaxel 225 mg/m2

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Mamounas et al. 2005 (NSABP B-28) 1995-1998 Phase 3 (E-esc) AC x 4 Superior DFS (co-primary endpoint)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, AC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (AC x 4; T x 4)

References

  1. INT 0148/CALGB 9344: Henderson IC, Berry DA, Demetri GD, Cirrincione CT, Goldstein LJ, Martino S, Ingle JN, Cooper MR, Hayes DF, Tkaczuk KH, Fleming G, Holland JF, Duggan DB, Carpenter JT, Frei E 3rd, Schilsky RL, Wood WC, Muss HB, Norton L. Improved outcomes from adding sequential paclitaxel but not from escalating doxorubicin dose in an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for patients with node-positive primary breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Mar 15;21(6):976-83. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  2. CALGB 9741: Citron ML, Berry DA, Cirrincione C, Hudis C, Winer EP, Gradishar WJ, Davidson NE, Martino S, Livingston R, Ingle JN, Perez EA, Carpenter J, Hurd D, Holland JF, Smith BL, Sartor CI, Leung EH, Abrams J, Schilsky RL, Muss HB, Norton L. Randomized trial of dose-dense versus conventionally scheduled and sequential versus concurrent combination chemotherapy as postoperative adjuvant treatment of node-positive primary breast cancer: first report of Intergroup Trial C9741/Cancer and Leukemia Group B Trial 9741. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Apr 15;21(8):1431-9. Epub 2003 Feb 13. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003088
  3. NSABP B-28: Mamounas EP, Bryant J, Lembersky B, Fehrenbacher L, Sedlacek SM, Fisher B, Wickerham DL, Yothers G, Soran A, Wolmark N. Paclitaxel after doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide as adjuvant chemotherapy for node-positive breast cancer: results from NSABP B-28. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Jun 1;23(16):3686-96. Epub 2005 May 16. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  4. ECOG E1199: Sparano JA, Wang M, Martino S, Jones V, Perez EA, Saphner T, Wolff AC, Sledge GW Jr, Wood WC, Davidson NE. Weekly paclitaxel in the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2008 Apr 17;358(16):1663-71. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00004125
    1. Update: Sparano JA, Zhao F, Martino S, Ligibel JA, Perez EA, Saphner T, Wolff AC, Sledge GW Jr, Wood WC, Davidson NE. Long-term follow-up of the E1199 phase III trial evaluating the role of taxane and schedule in operable breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2015 Jul 20;33(21):2353-60. Epub 2015 Jun 15. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  5. NCIC-CTG MA.21: Burnell M, Levine MN, Chapman JA, Bramwell V, Gelmon K, Walley B, Vandenberg T, Chalchal H, Albain KS, Perez EA, Rugo H, Pritchard K, O'Brien P, Shepherd LE. Cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil versus dose-dense epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel versus doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel in node-positive or high-risk node-negative breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Jan 1;28(1):77-82. Epub 2009 Nov 9. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00014222
  6. Loesch D, Greco FA, Senzer NN, Burris HA, Hainsworth JD, Jones S, Vukelja SJ, Sandbach J, Holmes F, Sedlacek S, Pippen J, Lindquist D, McIntyre K, Blum JL, Modiano MR, Boehm KA, Zhan F, Asmar L, Robert N. Phase III multicenter trial of doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel compared with doxorubicin plus paclitaxel followed by weekly paclitaxel as adjuvant therapy for women with high-risk breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Jun 20;28(18):2958-65. Epub 2010 May 17. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  7. NSAS BC-02: Watanabe T, Kuranami M, Inoue K, Masuda N, Aogi K, Ohno S, Iwata H, Mukai H, Uemura Y, Ohashi Y. Comparison of an AC-taxane versus AC-free regimen and paclitaxel versus docetaxel in patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer: final results of the National Surgical Adjuvant Study of Breast Cancer 02 trial, a randomized comparative phase 3 study. Cancer. 2017 Mar 1;123(5):759-768. Epub 2017 Jan 12. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed
  8. TAILORx: Sparano JA, Gray RJ, Makower DF, Pritchard KI, Albain KS, Hayes DF, Geyer CE Jr, Dees EC, Goetz MP, Olson JA Jr, Lively T, Badve SS, Saphner TJ, Wagner LI, Whelan TJ, Ellis MJ, Paik S, Wood WC, Ravdin PM, Keane MM, Gomez Moreno HL, Reddy PS, Goggins TF, Mayer IA, Brufsky AM, Toppmeyer DL, Kaklamani VG, Berenberg JL, Abrams J, Sledge GW Jr. Adjuvant chemotherapy guided by a 21-gene expression assay in breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018 Jul 12;379(2):111-121. Epub 2018 Jun 3. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in supplement have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00310180
  9. ECOG E5103: Miller KD, O'Neill A, Gradishar W, Hobday TJ, Goldstein LJ, Mayer IA, Bloom S, Brufsky AM, Tevaarwerk AJ, Sparano JA, Le-Lindqwister NA, Hendricks CB, Northfelt DW, Dang CT, Sledge GW Jr. Double-blind phase III trial of adjuvant chemotherapy with and without bevacizumab in patients with lymph node-positive and high-risk lymph node-negative breast cancer (E5103). J Clin Oncol. 2018 Sep 1;36(25):2621-2629. Epub 2018 Jul 24. link to original article does not contain dosing details in manuscript; refers to ECOG E1199 protocol link to PMC article PubMed NCT00433511
  10. NSABP B-47: Fehrenbacher L, Cecchini RS, Geyer CE Jr, Rastogi P, Costantino JP, Atkins JN, Crown JP, Polikoff J, Boileau JF, Provencher L, Stokoe C, Moore TD, Robidoux A, Flynn PJ, Borges VF, Albain KS, Swain SM, Paik S, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. NSABP B-47/NRG Oncology Phase III Randomized Trial Comparing Adjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Trastuzumab in High-Risk Invasive Breast Cancer Negative for HER2 by FISH and With IHC 1+ or 2. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Feb 10;38(5):444-453. Epub 2019 Dec 10. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01275677
  11. USON 01062: NCT00089479


ddAC-T

ddAC-T: dose-dense Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide followed by Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Miller et al. 2018 (ECOG E5103) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) 1a. AC-T & Bevacizumab
1b. ddAC-T & Bevacizumab
2a. AC-T & Bevacizumab, then Bevacizumab
2b. ddAC-T & Bevacizumab, then Bevacizumab 		Did not meet primary endpoint of IDFS
Fehrenbacher et al. 2019 (NSABP B-47) 2011-2015 Phase 3 (C) 1a. AC-TH
1b. ddAC-TH
1c. TCH 		Did not meet primary endpoint of IDFS
IDFS60: 89.2% vs 89.8%
(HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.80-1.32)

Note: Fehrenbacher et al. 2019 does not explicitly describe the use of filgrastim, but it is typically used for the dose-dense portion of this regimen.

Biomarker eligibility criteria

  • NSABP B-47: HER2 IHC of 1+ or 2+ with FISH ratio less than 2 or HER2 gene copy number less than 4

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, ddAC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Supportive therapy, ddAC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 5 to 16)

14-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 7-day cycle for 12 cycles (AC x 4; T x 12)

References

  1. ECOG E5103: Miller KD, O'Neill A, Gradishar W, Hobday TJ, Goldstein LJ, Mayer IA, Bloom S, Brufsky AM, Tevaarwerk AJ, Sparano JA, Le-Lindqwister NA, Hendricks CB, Northfelt DW, Dang CT, Sledge GW Jr. Double-blind phase III trial of adjuvant chemotherapy with and without bevacizumab in patients with lymph node-positive and high-risk lymph node-negative breast cancer (E5103). J Clin Oncol. 2018 Sep 1;36(25):2621-2629. Epub 2018 Jul 24. link to original article does not contain dosing details in manuscript; refers to ECOG E1199 protocol link to PMC article PubMed NCT00433511
  2. NSABP B-47: Fehrenbacher L, Cecchini RS, Geyer CE Jr, Rastogi P, Costantino JP, Atkins JN, Crown JP, Polikoff J, Boileau JF, Provencher L, Stokoe C, Moore TD, Robidoux A, Flynn PJ, Borges VF, Albain KS, Swain SM, Paik S, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. NSABP B-47/NRG Oncology Phase III Randomized Trial Comparing Adjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Trastuzumab in High-Risk Invasive Breast Cancer Negative for HER2 by FISH and With IHC 1+ or 2. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Feb 10;38(5):444-453. Epub 2019 Dec 10. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01275677


ddAC-ddT

ddAC-ddT: dose-dense Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Cyclophosphamide followed by dose-dense Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen variant #1, 4x4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Citron et al. 2003 (CALGB 9741) 1997-1999 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. A-T-C
2. AC-T 		Seems to have superior OS (secondary endpoint)

Superior DFS (primary endpoint)
3. ddA-ddC-ddT Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
Swain et al. 2013 (NSABP B-38) 2004-2007 Phase 3 (C) 1. TAC x 6 Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
2. ddAC-ddPG Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
Sparano et al. 2018 (TAILORx) 2006-2010 Phase 3 (C) No chemotherapy Non-inferior IDFS (primary endpoint)

Eligibility criteria

  • TAILORx: Oncotype DX score of 11 to 25

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, ddAC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Supportive therapy, ddAC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

  • Filgrastim (Neupogen) 5 mcg/kg (rounded to either 300 or 480 mcg) SC once per day on days 3 to 10
    • Note: Citron et al. 2003 says the schedule was "filgrastim days 3 to 10 of each cycle (a total of seven doses)," so it is unclear whether 7 or 8 doses was actually used).

Chemotherapy, ddT portion (cycles 5 to 8)

Supportive therapy, ddT portion (cycles 5 to 8)

  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 12.5 to 50 mg IV once on day 1; 30 to 60 minutes prior to paclitaxel
  • One of the following H2 blockers:
  • One of the following dexamethasone choices:
  • Recommended growth factor support with one of the following choices:
    • Filgrastim (Neupogen) 5 mcg/kg (rounded to 300 mcg or 480 mcg, whichever is closer) SC once per day on days 3 to 10; may be discontinued before day 10 if ANC has recovered to an "acceptable range, as determined by the treating physician"
    • Sargramostim (Leukine) 250 to 500 mcg/m2 SC once per day on days 3 to 10; may be discontinued before day 10 if ANC has recovered to an "acceptable range, as determined by the treating physician"
    • Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) 6 mg SC once, given 24 to 36 hours after chemotherapy
      • GIM2: a mid-protocol amendment suggested giving the pegilgrastim at least 72 h after chemotherapy

14-day cycle for 8 cycles (ddAC x 4; ddT x 4)


Regimen variant #2, 6x6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Budd et al. 2014 (SWOG S0221) 2003-2010 Phase 3 (C) 1. AC-ddT; continuous AC
2. AC-T; continuous AC & weekly paclitaxel
3. AC-T; weekly paclitaxel 		Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, ddAC portion (cycles 1 to 6)

Chemotherapy, ddT portion (cycles 7 to 12)

Supportive therapy, all portions (cycles 1 to 12)

14-day cycle for 12 cycles (ddAC x 6; ddT x 6)

References

  1. CALGB 9741: Citron ML, Berry DA, Cirrincione C, Hudis C, Winer EP, Gradishar WJ, Davidson NE, Martino S, Livingston R, Ingle JN, Perez EA, Carpenter J, Hurd D, Holland JF, Smith BL, Sartor CI, Leung EH, Abrams J, Schilsky RL, Muss HB, Norton L. Randomized trial of dose-dense versus conventionally scheduled and sequential versus concurrent combination chemotherapy as postoperative adjuvant treatment of node-positive primary breast cancer: first report of Intergroup Trial C9741/Cancer and Leukemia Group B Trial 9741. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Apr 15;21(8):1431-9. Epub 2003 Feb 13. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003088
  2. NSABP B-38: Swain SM, Tang G, Geyer CE Jr, Rastogi P, Atkins JN, Donnellan PP, Fehrenbacher L, Azar CA, Robidoux A, Polikoff JA, Brufsky AM, Biggs DD, Levine EA, Zapas JL, Provencher L, Northfelt DW, Paik S, Costantino JP, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Definitive results of a phase III adjuvant trial comparing three chemotherapy regimens in women with operable, node-positive breast cancer: the NSABP B-38 trial. J Clin Oncol. 2013 Sep 10;31(26):3197-204. Epub 2013 Aug 12. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00093795
  3. SWOG S0221: Budd GT, Barlow WE, Moore HC, Hobday TJ, Stewart JA, Isaacs C, Salim M, Cho JK, Rinn KJ, Albain KS, Chew HK, Burton GV, Moore TD, Srkalovic G, McGregor BA, Flaherty LE, Livingston RB, Lew DL, Gralow JR, Hortobagyi GN. SWOG S0221: a phase III trial comparing chemotherapy schedules in high-risk early-stage breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2015 Jan 1;33(1):58-64. Epub 2014 Nov 24. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed NCT00070564
  4. TAILORx: Sparano JA, Gray RJ, Makower DF, Pritchard KI, Albain KS, Hayes DF, Geyer CE Jr, Dees EC, Goetz MP, Olson JA Jr, Lively T, Badve SS, Saphner TJ, Wagner LI, Whelan TJ, Ellis MJ, Paik S, Wood WC, Ravdin PM, Keane MM, Gomez Moreno HL, Reddy PS, Goggins TF, Mayer IA, Brufsky AM, Toppmeyer DL, Kaklamani VG, Berenberg JL, Abrams J, Sledge GW Jr. Adjuvant chemotherapy guided by a 21-gene expression assay in breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018 Jul 12;379(2):111-121. Epub 2018 Jun 3. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in supplement have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00310180


AT-CMF

AT-CMF: Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) & Taxol (Paclitaxel) followed by Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Gianni et al. 2009 (ECTO) 1996-2002 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. A-CMF Seems to have superior RFS (primary endpoint)
RFS84: 76% vs 69%
(HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57-0.97)
2. AT-CMF; neoadjuvant Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, AT portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 28-day cycle for 4 cycles (AT x 4; CMF x 4)

References

  1. ECTO: Gianni L, Baselga J, Eiermann W, Porta VG, Semiglazov V, Lluch A, Zambetti M, Sabadell D, Raab G, Cussac AL, Bozhok A, Martinez-Agulló A, Greco M, Byakhov M, Lopez JJ, Mansutti M, Valagussa P, Bonadonna G. Phase III trial evaluating the addition of paclitaxel to doxorubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil, as adjuvant or primary systemic therapy: European Cooperative Trial in Operable Breast Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2009 May 20;27(15):2474-81. Epub 2009 Mar 30. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003013


CMF-E

CMF-E: Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil, followed by Epirubicin

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Boccardo et al. 1990 (GROCTA-1) 1983-1987 Phase 3 (C) 1. Tamoxifen x 5 y Seems to have inferior OS1
2. CMFT-ET Inferior OS1

1Reported efficacy is based on the 2011 update.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 1 to 6)

Chemotherapy, E portion (cycles 7 to 10)

21-day cycle for 10 cycles (CMF x 6; E x 4)

References

  1. GROCTA-1: Boccardo F, Rubagotti A, Bruzzi P, Cappellini M, Isola G, Nenci I, Piffanelli A, Scanni A, Sismondi P, Santi L, Genta F, Saccani F, Sassi M, Malacarne P, Donati D, Farris A, Castagnetta L, Di Carlo A, Traina A, Galletto L, Smerieri F, Buzzi F; Breast Cancer Adjuvant Chemo-Hormone Therapy Cooperative Group. Chemotherapy versus tamoxifen versus chemotherapy plus tamoxifen in node-positive, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients: results of a multicentric Italian study. J Clin Oncol. 1990 Aug;8(8):1310-20. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Boccardo F, Guglielmini P, Parodi A, Rubagotti A. Chemotherapy versus tamoxifen versus chemotherapy plus tamoxifen in node-positive, oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients: very late results of the 'gruppo di ricerca per la chemio-ormonoterapia adiuvante (GROCTA)' 01-Trial in early breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2011 Apr;126(3):653-61. Epub 2011 Feb 24. link to original article PubMed


D-EC

D-EC: Docetaxel followed by Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Polyzos et al. 2009 1995-2004 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) FEC Seems to have superior DFS60 (primary endpoint)
DFS60: 72.6% vs 67.2%

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (D x 4; EC x 4)

References

  1. Polyzos A, Malamos N, Boukovinas I, Adamou A, Ziras N, Kalbakis K, Kakolyris S, Syrigos K, Papakotoulas P, Kouroussis C, Karvounis N, Vamvakas L, Christophyllakis C, Athanasiadis A, Varthalitis I, Georgoulias V, Mavroudis D; Hellenic Oncology Research Group. FEC versus sequential docetaxel followed by epirubicin/cyclophosphamide as adjuvant chemotherapy in women with axillary node-positive early breast cancer: a randomized study of the Hellenic Oncology Research Group (HORG). Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2010 Jan;119(1):95-104. Epub 2009 Jul 28. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


D-FEC

D-FEC: Docetaxel followed by Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide
T-CEF: Taxotere (Docetaxel) followed by Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin, Fluorouracil

Regimen variant #1

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Joensuu et al. 2009 (FinXX) 2004-2007 Phase 3 (C) TX-CEX Seems to have inferior OS1

1Reported efficacy is based on the 2022 update.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 4 to 6)

21-day cycle for 6 cycles (D x 3; FEC x 3)


Regimen variant #2

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Joensuu et al. 2006 (FinHer) 2000-2003 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) V-FEC Superior DDFS (secondary endpoint)

Note: this was the study design for HER2-negative patients.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 4 to 6)

21-day cycle for 6 cycles (D x 3; FEC x 3)

References

  1. FinHer: Joensuu H, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL, Bono P, Alanko T, Kataja V, Asola R, Utriainen T, Kokko R, Hemminki A, Tarkkanen M, Turpeenniemi-Hujanen T, Jyrkkiö S, Flander M, Helle L, Ingalsuo S, Johansson K, Jääskeläinen AS, Pajunen M, Rauhala M, Kaleva-Kerola J, Salminen T, Leinonen M, Elomaa I, Isola J; FinHer Study Investigators. Adjuvant docetaxel or vinorelbine with or without trastuzumab for breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2006 Feb 23;354(8):809-20. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed ISRCTN76560285
    1. Update: Joensuu H, Bono P, Kataja V, Alanko T, Kokko R, Asola R, Utriainen T, Turpeenniemi-Hujanen T, Jyrkkiö S, Möykkynen K, Helle L, Ingalsuo S, Pajunen M, Huusko M, Salminen T, Auvinen P, Leinonen H, Leinonen M, Isola J, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL. Fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide with either docetaxel or vinorelbine, with or without trastuzumab, as adjuvant treatments of breast cancer: final results of the FinHer trial. J Clin Oncol. 2009 Dec 1;27(34):5685-92. Epub 2009 Nov 2. link to original article PubMed
  2. FinXX: Joensuu H, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL, Huovinen R, Jukkola-Vuorinen A, Tanner M, Asola R, Kokko R, Ahlgren J, Auvinen P, Hemminki A, Paija O, Helle L, Nuortio L, Villman K, Nilsson G, Lahtela SL, Lehtiö K, Pajunen M, Poikonen P, Nyandoto P, Kataja V, Bono P, Leinonen M, Lindman H; FinXX Study Investigators. Adjuvant capecitabine in combination with docetaxel and cyclophosphamide plus epirubicin for breast cancer: an open-label, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2009 Dec;10(12):1145-51. Epub 2009 Nov 10. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00114816
    1. Update: Joensuu H, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL, Huovinen R, Jukkola-Vuorinen A, Tanner M, Kokko R, Ahlgren J, Auvinen P, Paija O, Helle L, Villman K, Nyandoto P, Nilsson G, Pajunen M, Asola R, Poikonen P, Leinonen M, Kataja V, Bono P, Lindman H. Adjuvant capecitabine, docetaxel, cyclophosphamide, and epirubicin for early breast cancer: final analysis of the randomized FinXX trial. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Jan 1;30(1):11-8. Epub 2011 Nov 21. link to original article PubMed
    2. Update: Joensuu H, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL, Huovinen R, Jukkola A, Tanner M, Ahlgren J, Auvinen P, Lahdenperä O, Villman K, Nyandoto P, Nilsson G, Poikonen-Saksela P, Kataja V, Bono P, Junnila J, Lindman H. Adjuvant Capecitabine for Early Breast Cancer: 15-Year Overall Survival Results From a Randomized Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2022 Apr 1;40(10):1051-1058. Epub 2022 Jan 12. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


E-CMF

E-CMF: Epirubicin followed by Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil

Regimen variant #1, 100/750/50/600

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Poole et al. 2006 (BR9601) 1996-2001 Phase 3 (E-esc) CMF x 6 Superior OS1 (co-primary endpoint)
OS60: 84% vs 78%
(HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.89)
Fernando et al. 2019 (SECRAB) 1998-2004 Phase 3 (C) 1a. CMF & RT
1b. E-CMF & RT
1c. A-CMF & RT
1d. MMM & RT 		Inferior LRFS
Delaloge et al. 2020 (MINDACT) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) TX Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS60: 88.8% vs 90.7%
(HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.87-1.67)

1Reported efficacy is based on the 2012 update.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, E portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (E x 4; CMF x 4)


Regimen variant #2, 100/1200/80/1200

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Poole et al. 2006 (NEAT) 1996-2001 Phase 3 (E-esc) CMF x 6 Superior OS1 (co-primary endpoint)
OS60: 84% vs 78%
(HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.89)
Boccardo et al. 2010 1997-2004 Phase 3 (C) T-EV Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Amadori et al. 2010 (IRST-IBIS-03) 1997-2004 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) CMF-E Did not meet endpoint of OS60
Fernando et al. 2019 (SECRAB) 1998-2004 Phase 3 (C) 1a. CMF & RT
1b. E-CMF & RT
1c. A-CMF & RT
1d. MMM & RT 		Inferior LRFS
Ellis et al. 2009 (TACT) 2001-2003 Phase 3 (C) FEC-D Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
Cameron et al. 2017 (TACT2) 2005-2008 Phase 3 (C) 1. E-X Non-inferior time to response (primary endpoint)
2. ddE-CMF
3. ddE-X 		Did not meet primary endpoint of time to response

1Reported efficacy is based on the 2012 update.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, E portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 28-day cycle for 4 cycles (E x 4; CMF x 4)


Regimen variant #3, 100/1400/80/1200 ("classic CMF")

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Poole et al. 2006 (NEAT) 1996-2001 Phase 3 (E-esc) CMF x 6 Superior OS1 (co-primary endpoint)
OS60: 84% vs 78%
(HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.89)
Fernando et al. 2019 (SECRAB) 1998-2004 Phase 3 (C) 1a. CMF & RT
1b. E-CMF & RT
1c. A-CMF & RT
1d. MMM & RT 		Inferior LRFS
Cameron et al. 2017 (TACT2) 2005-2008 Phase 3 (C) 1. E-X Non-inferior time to response (primary endpoint)
2. ddE-CMF
3. ddE-X 		Did not meet primary endpoint of time to response
Delaloge et al. 2020 (MINDACT) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) TX Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS60: 88.8% vs 90.7%
(HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.87-1.67)

1Reported efficacy is based on the 2012 update.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, E portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 28-day cycle for 4 cycles (E x 4; CMF x 4)

References

  1. NEAT: Poole CJ, Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Bathers S, Grieve RJ, Spooner DA, Agrawal RK, Fernando IN, Brunt AM, O'Reilly SM, Crawford SM, Rea DW, Simmonds P, Mansi JL, Stanley A, Harvey P, McAdam K, Foster L, Leonard RC, Twelves CJ; NEAT Investigators and the SCTBG. Epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil as adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2006 Nov 2;355(18):1851-62. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003577
    1. Update: Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Vallier AL, Bowden SJ, Jordan SD, Blows F, Munro A, Bathers S, Grieve R, Spooner DA, Agrawal R, Fernando I, Brunt AM, O'Reilly SM, Crawford SM, Rea DW, Simmonds P, Mansi JL, Stanley A, McAdam K, Foster L, Leonard RC, Twelves CJ, Cameron D, Bartlett JM, Pharoah P, Provenzano E, Caldas C, Poole CJ; NEAT Investigators and the SCTBG. Adjuvant epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil (CMF) vs CMF in early breast cancer: results with over 7 years median follow-up from the randomised phase III NEAT/BR9601 trials. Br J Cancer. 2012 Oct 9;107(8):1257-67. Epub 2012 Sep 11. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  2. BR9601: Poole CJ, Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Bathers S, Grieve RJ, Spooner DA, Agrawal RK, Fernando IN, Brunt AM, O'Reilly SM, Crawford SM, Rea DW, Simmonds P, Mansi JL, Stanley A, Harvey P, McAdam K, Foster L, Leonard RC, Twelves CJ; NEAT Investigators and the SCTBG. Epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil as adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2006 Nov 2;355(18):1851-62. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003012
    1. Update: Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Vallier AL, Bowden SJ, Jordan SD, Blows F, Munro A, Bathers S, Grieve R, Spooner DA, Agrawal R, Fernando I, Brunt AM, O'Reilly SM, Crawford SM, Rea DW, Simmonds P, Mansi JL, Stanley A, McAdam K, Foster L, Leonard RC, Twelves CJ, Cameron D, Bartlett JM, Pharoah P, Provenzano E, Caldas C, Poole CJ; NEAT Investigators and the SCTBG. Adjuvant epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil (CMF) vs CMF in early breast cancer: results with over 7 years median follow-up from the randomised phase III NEAT/BR9601 trials. Br J Cancer. 2012 Oct 9;107(8):1257-67. Epub 2012 Sep 11. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  3. TACT: Ellis P, Barrett-Lee P, Johnson L, Cameron D, Wardley A, O'Reilly S, Verrill M, Smith I, Yarnold J, Coleman R, Earl H, Canney P, Twelves C, Poole C, Bloomfield D, Hopwood P, Johnston S, Dowsett M, Bartlett JM, Ellis I, Peckitt C, Hall E, Bliss JM; TACT Trial Management Group; TACT Trialists. Sequential docetaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer (TACT): an open-label, phase III, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2009 May 16;373(9676):1681-92. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed ISRCTN79718493
  4. Boccardo F, Amadori D, Guglielmini P, Sismondi P, Farris A, Agostara B, Gambi A, Catalano G, Faedi M, Rubagotti A. Epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil versus paclitaxel followed by epirubicin and vinorelbine in patients with high-risk operable breast cancer. Oncology. 2010;78(3-4):274-81. Epub 2010 Jun 8. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  5. IRST-IBIS-03: Amadori D, Silvestrini R, De Lena M, Boccardo F, Rocca A, Scarpi E, Schittulli F, Brandi M, Maltoni R, Serra P, Ponzone R, Biglia N, Gianni L, Tienghi A, Valerio MR, Bonginelli P, Amaducci L, Faedi M, Baldini E, Paradiso A. Randomized phase III trial of adjuvant epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and 5-fluorouracil (CMF) versus CMF followed by epirubicin in patients with node-negative or 1-3 node-positive rapidly proliferating breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2011 Feb;125(3):775-84. Epub 2010 Dec 4. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01031030
  6. TACT2: Cameron D, Morden JP, Canney P, Velikova G, Coleman R, Bartlett J, Agrawal R, Banerji J, Bertelli G, Bloomfield D, Brunt AM, Earl H, Ellis P, Gaunt C, Gillman A, Hearfield N, Laing R, Murray N, Couper N, Stein RC, Verrill M, Wardley A, Barrett-Lee P, Bliss JM; TACT2 Investigators. Accelerated versus standard epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil or capecitabine as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer in the randomised UK TACT2 trial (CRUK/05/19): a multicentre, phase 3, open-label, randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2017 Jul;18(7):929-945. Epub 2017 Jun 7. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00301925
    1. HRQoL analysis: Velikova G, Morden JP, Haviland JS, Emery C, Barrett-Lee P, Earl H, Bloomfield D, Brunt AM, Canney P, Coleman R, Verrill M, Wardley A, Bertelli G, Ellis P, Stein R, Bliss JM, Cameron D; TACT2 Trial Management Group. Accelerated versus standard epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil or capecitabine as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer (UK TACT2; CRUK/05/19): quality of life results from a multicentre, phase 3, open-label, randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2023 Dec;24(12):1359-1374. Epub 2023 Nov 2. Erratum in: Lancet Oncol. 2023 Dec;24(12):e459. link to original article PubMed
  7. SECRAB: Fernando IN, Bowden SJ, Herring K, Brookes CL, Ahmed I, Marshall A, Grieve R, Churn M, Spooner D, Latief TN, Agrawal RK, Brunt AM, Stevens A, Goodman A, Canney P, Bishop J, Ritchie D, Dunn J, Poole CJ, Rea DW; SECRAB Investigators. Synchronous versus sequential chemo-radiotherapy in patients with early stage breast cancer (SECRAB): A randomised, phase III, trial. Radiother Oncol. 2020 Jan;142:52-61. Epub 2019 Nov 27. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003893
  8. MINDACT: Delaloge S, Piccart M, Rutgers E, Litière S, van 't Veer LJ, van den Berkmortel F, Brain E, Dudek-Peric A, Gil-Gil M, Gomez P, Hilbers FS, Khalil Z, Knox S, Kuemmel S, Kunz G, Lesur A, Pierga JY, Ravdin P, Rubio IT, Saghatchian M, Smilde TJ, Thompson AM, Viale G, Zoppoli G, Vuylsteke P, Tryfonidis K, Poncet C, Bogaerts J, Cardoso F; MINDACT investigators and the TRANSBIG Consortium. Standard Anthracycline Based Versus Docetaxel-Capecitabine in Early High Clinical and/or Genomic Risk Breast Cancer in the EORTC 10041/BIG 3-04 MINDACT Phase III Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Apr 10;38(11):1186-1197. Epub 2020 Feb 21. link to original article dosing details in supplement have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed NCT00433589


ddE-iddCMF

ddE-iddCMF: dose-dense Epirubicin, followed by intense dose-dense Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Fountzilas et al. 2005 (HE 10/97) 1997-2000 Phase 3 (C) ddE-T-iddCMF Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, ddE portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 7)

Supportive therapy, all portions (cycles 1 to 7)

14-day cycle for 7 cycles (ddE x 4; iddCMF x 3)

References

  1. HE 10/97: Fountzilas G, Skarlos D, Dafni U, Gogas H, Briasoulis E, Pectasides D, Papadimitriou C, Markopoulos C, Polychronis A, Kalofonos HP, Siafaka V, Kosmidis P, Timotheadou E, Tsavdaridis D, Bafaloukos D, Papakostas P, Razis E, Makrantonakis P, Aravantinos G, Christodoulou C, Dimopoulos AM; Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group. Postoperative dose-dense sequential chemotherapy with epirubicin, followed by CMF with or without paclitaxel, in patients with high-risk operable breast cancer: a randomized phase III study conducted by the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group. Ann Oncol. 2005 Nov;16(11):1762-71. Epub 2005 Sep 7. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


E-D

E-D: Epirubicin followed by Docetaxel

Regimen variant #1

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Coombes et al. 2011 (DEVA) 1997-2005 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) Epirubicin Superior DFS (primary endpoint)
DFS60: 79.5% vs 72.7%
(HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52-0.91)

Superior OS (secondary endpoint)
OS60: 88.9% vs 81.8%
(HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46-0.94)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, E portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 4 to 6)

28-day cycle for 3 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 3 cycles (E x 3; D x 3)


Regimen variant #2

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Mavroudis et al. 2017 (HORG CT/01.04) 2001-2013 Phase 3 (C) Docetaxel & Epirubicin Might have superior DFS (primary endpoint)
DFS60: 92.6% vs 88.2%
(HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.39-1.01)

Note: to our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, E portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (E x 4; D x 4)

References

  1. DEVA: Coombes RC, Bliss JM, Espie M, Erdkamp F, Wals J, Tres A, Marty M, Coleman RE, Tubiana-Mathieu N, den Boer MO, Wardley A, Kilburn LS, Cooper D, Thomas MW, Reise JA, Wilkinson K, Hupperets P. Randomized, phase III trial of sequential epirubicin and docetaxel versus epirubicin alone in postmenopausal patients with node-positive breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Aug 20;29(24):3247-54. Epub 2011 Jul 18. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed ISRCTN89772270
  2. HORG CT/01.04: Mavroudis D, Saloustros E, Boukovinas I, Papakotoulas P, Kakolyris S, Ziras N, Christophylakis C, Kentepozidis N, Fountzilas G, Rigas G, Varthalitis I, Kalbakis K, Agelaki S, Hatzidaki D, Georgoulias V; Hellenic Oncology Research Group. Sequential vs concurrent epirubicin and docetaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy for high-risk, node-negative, early breast cancer: an interim analysis of a randomised phase III study from the Hellenic Oncology Research Group. Br J Cancer. 2017 Jul 11;117(2):164-170. Epub 2017 Jun 22. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed NCT00424606


E-X

E-X: Epirubicin followed by Xeloda (Capecitabine)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Cameron et al. 2017 (TACT2) 2005-2008 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) 1. E-CMF Non-inferior time to response (primary endpoint)
2. ddE-CMF
3. ddE-X 		Did not meet primary endpoint of time to response

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, E portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, X portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (E x 4; X x 4)

References

  1. TACT2: Cameron D, Morden JP, Canney P, Velikova G, Coleman R, Bartlett J, Agrawal R, Banerji J, Bertelli G, Bloomfield D, Brunt AM, Earl H, Ellis P, Gaunt C, Gillman A, Hearfield N, Laing R, Murray N, Couper N, Stein RC, Verrill M, Wardley A, Barrett-Lee P, Bliss JM; TACT2 Investigators. Accelerated versus standard epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil or capecitabine as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer in the randomised UK TACT2 trial (CRUK/05/19): a multicentre, phase 3, open-label, randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2017 Jul;18(7):929-945. Epub 2017 Jun 7. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00301925
    1. HRQoL analysis: Velikova G, Morden JP, Haviland JS, Emery C, Barrett-Lee P, Earl H, Bloomfield D, Brunt AM, Canney P, Coleman R, Verrill M, Wardley A, Bertelli G, Ellis P, Stein R, Bliss JM, Cameron D; TACT2 Trial Management Group. Accelerated versus standard epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil or capecitabine as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer (UK TACT2; CRUK/05/19): quality of life results from a multicentre, phase 3, open-label, randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2023 Dec;24(12):1359-1374. Epub 2023 Nov 2. Erratum in: Lancet Oncol. 2023 Dec;24(12):e459. link to original article PubMed


EC-CMF

EC-CMF: Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide followed by Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil

Regimen variant #1

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Colleoni et al. 2006 (IBCSG 13-93) 1993-1999 Non-randomized part of phase 3 RCT
Basser et al. 2006 (IBCSG 15-95) 1995-2000 Phase 3 (C) EC; dose-intense Seems to have inferior DFS1

1Reported efficacy is based on the 2009 update.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 7)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 28-day cycle for 3 cycles (EC x 4; CMF x 3)

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #2

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Kümmel et al. 2006 1996-2000 Phase 3 (C) ddEC-ddCMF Might have inferior OS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 7)

21-day cycle for 7 cycles (EC x 4; CMF x 3)


Regimen variant #3

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Zander et al. 2004 1993-2000 Phase 3 (C) Cyclophosphamide, Mitoxantrone, Thiotepa with auto HSCT Might have inferior EFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, CMF portion (cycles 5 to 7)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 28-day cycle for 3 cycles (EC x 4; CMF x 3)

References

  1. Zander AR, Kröger N, Schmoor C, Krüger W, Möbus V, Frickhofen N, Metzner B, Schultze W, Berdel WE, Koenigsmann M, Thiel E, Wandt H, Possinger K, Trümper L, Kreienberg R, Carstensen M, Schmidt EH, Jänicke F, Schumacher M, Jonat W. High-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem-cell support compared with standard-dose chemotherapy in breast cancer patients with 10 or more positive lymph nodes: first results of a randomized trial. J Clin Oncol. 2004 Jun 15;22(12):2273-83. Epub 2004 Apr 26. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  2. IBCSG 15-95: Basser RL, O'Neill A, Martinelli G, Green MD, Peccatori F, Cinieri S, Coates AS, Gelber RD, Aebi S, Castiglione-Gertsch M, Viale G, Price KN, Goldhirsch A; International Breast Cancer Study Group. Multicycle dose-intensive chemotherapy for women with high-risk primary breast cancer: results of International Breast Cancer Study Group Trial 15-95. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Jan 20;24(3):370-8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00002784
    1. Update: Colleoni M, Sun Z, Martinelli G, Basser RL, Coates AS, Gelber RD, Green MD, Peccatori F, Cinieri S, Aebi S, Viale G, Price KN, Goldhirsch A; International Breast Cancer Study Group. The effect of endocrine responsiveness on high-risk breast cancer treated with dose-intensive chemotherapy: results of International Breast Cancer Study Group Trial 15-95 after prolonged follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2009 Aug;20(8):1344-51. Epub 2009 May 25. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  3. IBCSG 13-93: Colleoni M, Gelber S, Goldhirsch A, Aebi S, Castiglione-Gertsch M, Price KN, Coates AS, Gelber RD; International Breast Cancer Study Group. Tamoxifen after adjuvant chemotherapy for premenopausal women with lymph node-positive breast cancer: International Breast Cancer Study Group Trial 13-93. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Mar 20;24(9):1332-41. Epub 2006 Feb 27. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  4. Kümmel S, Krocker J, Kohls A, Breitbach GP, Morack G, Budner M, Blohmer JU, Elling D. Randomised trial: survival benefit and safety of adjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy for node-positive breast cancer. Br J Cancer. 2006 May 8;94(9):1237-44. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Reinisch M, Gluz O, Ataseven B, Blohmer JU, Budner M, Dittmer-Grabowski C, Kohls A, Krocker J, Kümmel A, Hagemann F, Rüland A, Traut A, Kümmel S. Updated Survival Analysis after a Median Follow-up of 12 Years of an Anthracycline-Containing Adjuvant Prospective Multicentre, Randomised Phase III Trial on Dose-Dense Chemotherapy in Primary Node-Positive, High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients. Breast Care (Basel). 2019 Jun;14(3):159-164. Epub 2018 Sep 5. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


ddEC-ddCMF

ddEC-ddCMF: dose-dense Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide followed by dose-dense Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Nitz et al. 2005 (WSG AM-01) 1995-2002 Phase 3 (C) EC, then ECT with auto HSCT x 2 Seems to have inferior OS
Kümmel et al. 2006 1996-2000 Phase 3 (E-esc) EC-CMF Might have superior OS (secondary endpoint)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, ddEC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, ddCMF portion (cycles 5 to 7)

Supportive therapy, both portions (cycles 1 to 7)

14-day cycle for 7 cycles (ddEC x 4; ddCMF x 3)

References

  1. WSG AM-01: Nitz UA, Mohrmann S, Fischer J, Lindemann W, Berdel WE, Jackisch C, Werner C, Ziske C, Kirchner H, Metzner B, Souchon R, Ruffert U, Schütt G, Pollmanns A, Schmoll HJ, Middecke C, Baltzer J, Schrader I, Wiebringhaus H, Ko Y, Rösel S, Schwenzer T, Wernet P, Hinke A, Bender HG, Frick M; West German Study Group. Comparison of rapidly cycled tandem high-dose chemotherapy plus peripheral-blood stem-cell support versus dose-dense conventional chemotherapy for adjuvant treatment of high-risk breast cancer: results of a multicentre phase III trial. Lancet. 2005 Dec 3;366(9501):1935-44. Erratum in: Lancet. 2006 Mar 4;367(9512):730. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  2. Kümmel S, Krocker J, Kohls A, Breitbach GP, Morack G, Budner M, Blohmer JU, Elling D. Randomised trial: survival benefit and safety of adjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy for node-positive breast cancer. Br J Cancer. 2006 May 8;94(9):1237-44. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Reinisch M, Gluz O, Ataseven B, Blohmer JU, Budner M, Dittmer-Grabowski C, Kohls A, Krocker J, Kümmel A, Hagemann F, Rüland A, Traut A, Kümmel S. Updated Survival Analysis after a Median Follow-up of 12 Years of an Anthracycline-Containing Adjuvant Prospective Multicentre, Randomised Phase III Trial on Dose-Dense Chemotherapy in Primary Node-Positive, High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients. Breast Care (Basel). 2019 Jun;14(3):159-164. Epub 2018 Sep 5. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


ddEC-ddT

ddEC-ddCMF: dose-dense Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide followed by dose-dense Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Del Mastro et al. 2015 (GIM2) 2003-2006 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. EC-T
2. FEC-P 		Superior OS (secondary endpoint)
OS60: 94% vs 89%
(HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51-0.84)

Superior DFS (primary endpoint)
DFS60: 81% vs 76%
(HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.65-0.92)
3. ddFEC-ddT Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Note: a mid-protocol amendment of GIM2 suggested giving the pegfilgrastim at least 72 h after chemotherapy.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, ddEC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, ddT portion (cycles 5 to 8)

Supportive therapy, both portions (cycles 1 to 8)

14-day cycle for 8 cycles (ddEC x 4; ddT x 4)

References

  1. GIM2: Del Mastro L, De Placido S, Bruzzi P, De Laurentiis M, Boni C, Cavazzini G, Durando A, Turletti A, Nisticò C, Valle E, Garrone O, Puglisi F, Montemurro F, Barni S, Ardizzoni A, Gamucci T, Colantuoni G, Giuliano M, Gravina A, Papaldo P, Bighin C, Bisagni G, Forestieri V, Cognetti F; Gruppo Italiano Mammella. Fluorouracil and dose-dense chemotherapy in adjuvant treatment of patients with early-stage breast cancer: an open-label, 2 x 2 factorial, randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2015 May 9;385(9980):1863-72. Epub 2015 Mar 2. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00433420
    1. Update: Del Mastro L, Poggio F, Blondeaux E, De Placido S, Giuliano M, Forestieri V, De Laurentiis M, Gravina A, Bisagni G, Rimanti A, Turletti A, Nisticò C, Vaccaro A, Cognetti F, Fabi A, Gasparro S, Garrone O, Alicicco MG, Urracci Y, Mansutti M, Poletti P, Correale P, Bighin C, Puglisi F, Montemurro F, Colantuoni G, Lambertini M, Boni L; Gruppo Italiano Mammella Investigators. Fluorouracil and dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early-stage breast cancer (GIM2): end-of-study results from a randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2022 Dec;23(12):1571-1582. Epub 2022 Nov 10. link to original article PubMed


EC-D

EC-D: Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Docetaxel
EC-T: Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Taxotere (Docetaxel)

Regimen variant #1, 3+3 cycles

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Ejlertsen et al. 2017 (DBCG 07-READ) 2008-2012 Phase 3 (C) TC x 6 Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Biomarker eligibility criteria

  • TOP2A normal as determined by FISH

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 4 to 6)

21-day cycle for 6 cycles (EC x 3; D x 3)


Regimen variant #2, 4+4 cycles

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Martín et al. 2015 (GEICAM 2003-10) 2004-2007 Phase 3 (C) ET-X x 4+4 Seems to have superior IDFS (primary endpoint)
IDFS60: 86% vs 82%
(HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.97)
Nitz et al. 2014 (WSG-AGO EC-Doc) 2000-2005 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) 1a. CMF
1b. FEC 		Seems to have superior EFS (primary endpoint)
EFS60: 89.8% vs 87.3%
(HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57-0.97)

Seems to have superior OS (secondary endpoint)
OS60: 94.5% vs 92.8%
(HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49-0.99)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (EC x 4; D x 4)

References

  1. WSG-AGO EC-Doc: Nitz U, Gluz O, Huober J, Kreipe HH, Kates RE, Hartmann A, Erber R, Moustafa Z, Scholz M, Lisboa B, Mohrmann S, Möbus V, Augustin D, Hoffmann G, Weiss E, Böhmer S, Kreienberg R, Du Bois A, Sattler D, Thomssen C, Kiechle M, Jänicke F, Wallwiener D, Harbeck N, Kuhn W. Final analysis of the prospective WSG-AGO EC-Doc versus FEC phase III trial in intermediate-risk (pN1) early breast cancer: efficacy and predictive value of Ki67 expression. Ann Oncol. 2014 Aug;25(8):1551-7. Epub 2014 May 14. Erratum in: Ann Oncol. 2017 Nov 1;28(11):2899. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT02115204
  2. GEICAM 2003-10: Martín M, Ruiz Simón A, Ruiz Borrego M, Ribelles N, Rodríguez-Lescure A, Muñoz-Mateu M, González S, Margelí Vila M, Barnadas A, Ramos M, Del Barco Berron S, Jara C, Calvo L, Martínez-Jáñez N, Mendiola Fernández C, Rodríguez CA, Martínez de Dueñas E, Andrés R, Plazaola A, de la Haba-Rodríguez J, López-Vega JM, Adrover E, Ballesteros AI, Santaballa A, Sánchez-Rovira P, Baena-Cañada JM, Casas M, del Carmen Cámara M, Carrasco EM, Lluch A. Epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel versus epirubicin plus docetaxel followed by capecitabine as adjuvant therapy for node-positive early breast cancer: results from the GEICAM/2003-10 study. J Clin Oncol. 2015 Nov 10;33(32):3788-95. Epub 2015 Sep 28. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00129935
  3. DBCG 07-READ: Ejlertsen B, Tuxen MK, Jakobsen EH, Jensen MB, Knoop AS, Højris I, Ewertz M, Balslev E, Danø H, Vestlev PM, Kenholm J, Nielsen DL, Bechmann T, Andersson M, Cold S, Nielsen HM, Maae E, Carlsen D, Mouridsen HT. Adjuvant cyclophosphamide and docetaxel with or without epirubicin for early TOP2A-normal breast cancer: DBCG 07-READ, an open-label, phase III, randomized trial. J Clin Oncol. 2017 Aug 10;35(23):2639-2646. Epub 2017 Jun 29. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00689156


EC-T

EC-T: Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Taxol (Paclitaxel)
EC-P: Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Paclitaxel

Regimen variant #1, 75/600

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Yu et al. 2021 (SPECTRUMbrca) 2011-2016 Phase 3 (C) EP-T Might have inferior DFS60

Note: this trial should not be confused with the one by the same name in head & neck cancer.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 5 to 16)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 7-day cycle for 12 cycles (EC x 4; T x 12)


Regimen variant #2, 90/600

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Earl et al. 2017 (tAnGo) 2001-2004 Phase 3 (C) EC-TG Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS120: 65% vs 65%
(aHR 1.03, 95% CI 0.91-1.16)
Del Mastro et al. 2015 (GIM2) 2003-2006 Phase 3 (C) 1. ddEC-ddT
2. ddFEC-ddT 		Inferior OS
3. FEC-P Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
Yuan et al. 2023 (CH-BC-006) 2010-06-01 to 2016-06-30 Phase 3 (C) EP Non-inferior DFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, EC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (EC x 4; T x 4)

References

  1. GIM2: Del Mastro L, De Placido S, Bruzzi P, De Laurentiis M, Boni C, Cavazzini G, Durando A, Turletti A, Nisticò C, Valle E, Garrone O, Puglisi F, Montemurro F, Barni S, Ardizzoni A, Gamucci T, Colantuoni G, Giuliano M, Gravina A, Papaldo P, Bighin C, Bisagni G, Forestieri V, Cognetti F; GIM. Fluorouracil and dose-dense chemotherapy in adjuvant treatment of patients with early-stage breast cancer: an open-label, 2 x 2 factorial, randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2015 May 9;385(9980):1863-72. Epub 2015 Mar 2. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00433420
    1. Update: Del Mastro L, Poggio F, Blondeaux E, De Placido S, Giuliano M, Forestieri V, De Laurentiis M, Gravina A, Bisagni G, Rimanti A, Turletti A, Nisticò C, Vaccaro A, Cognetti F, Fabi A, Gasparro S, Garrone O, Alicicco MG, Urracci Y, Mansutti M, Poletti P, Correale P, Bighin C, Puglisi F, Montemurro F, Colantuoni G, Lambertini M, Boni L; Gruppo Italiano Mammella Investigators. Fluorouracil and dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early-stage breast cancer (GIM2): end-of-study results from a randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2022 Dec;23(12):1571-1582. Epub 2022 Nov 10. link to original article PubMed
  2. tAnGo: Earl HM, Hiller L, Howard HC, Dunn JA, Young J, Bowden SJ, McDermaid M, Waterhouse AK, Wilson G, Agrawal R, O'Reilly S, Bowman A, Ritchie DM, Goodman A, Hickish T, McAdam K, Cameron D, Dodwell D, Rea DW, Caldas C, Provenzano E, Abraham JE, Canney P, Crown JP, Kennedy MJ, Coleman R, Leonard RC, Carmichael JA, Wardley AM, Poole CJ; tAnGo trial collaborators. Addition of gemcitabine to paclitaxel, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide adjuvant chemotherapy for women with early-stage breast cancer (tAnGo): final 10-year follow-up of an open-label, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2017 Jun;18(6):755-769. Epub 2017 May 4. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00039546
  3. SPECTRUMbrca: Yu KD, Ge JY, Liu XY, Mo M, He M, Shao ZM; SPECTRUM Investigators. Cyclophosphamide-Free Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Ovarian Protection in Young Women With Breast Cancer: A Randomized Phase 3 Trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2021 Oct 1;113(10):1352-1359. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01026116
  4. CH-BC-006: Yuan P, Kang Y, Ma F, Fan Y, Wang J, Wang X, Yue J, Luo Y, Zhang P, Li Q, Xu B. Effect of Epirubicin Plus Paclitaxel vs Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide Followed by Paclitaxel on Disease-Free Survival Among Patients With Operable ERBB2-Negative and Lymph Node-Positive Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Feb 1;6(2):e230122. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01134523
  5. CH-BC-012: NCT01378533
  6. Fudan BC MASTER: NCT01314833


ddEC-T

ddEC-T: dose-dense Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide, followed by Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Burnell et al. 2009 (NCIC-CTG MA.21) 2000-2005 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. AC-T Superior RFS (primary endpoint)
RFS36: 89.5% vs 85%
(HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.44-0.80)
2. FEC Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
RFS36: 89.5% vs 90.1%
(HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.64-1.22)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, ddEC portion (cycles 1 to 6)

Supportive therapy, ddEC portion (cycles 1 to 6)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 7 to 10)

14-day cycle for 6 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (ddEC x 6; T x 4)

References

  1. NCIC-CTG MA.21: Burnell M, Levine MN, Chapman JA, Bramwell V, Gelmon K, Walley B, Vandenberg T, Chalchal H, Albain KS, Perez EA, Rugo H, Pritchard K, O'Brien P, Shepherd LE. Cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil versus dose-dense epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel versus doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by paclitaxel in node-positive or high-risk node-negative breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Jan 1;28(1):77-82. Epub 2009 Nov 9. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00014222


iddEnPC

iddEnPC: intense dose-dense Epirubicin, nab-Paclitaxel, Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Möbus et al. 2021 (GAIN-2) 2012-2017 Phase 3 (C) dtEC-dtD Did not meet primary endpoint of iDFS
iDFS48: 84.3% vs 84.3%

Note: growth factor support is not specifically mentioned in the manuscript. The details below for pegfilgrastim are based on the GAIN trial of iddEPC.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, iddE portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, iddnP portion (cycles 4 to 6)

Chemotherapy, iddC portion (cycles 7 to 9)

Supportive therapy, all portions (cycles 1 to 9)

14-day cycle for 9 cycles (iddE x 3; iddnP x 3; iddC x 3)

References

  1. GAIN-2: Möbus V, Lück HJ, Ladda E, Klare P, Schmidt M, Schneeweiss A, Grischke EM, Wachsmann G, Forstbauer H, Untch M, Marmé F, Blohmer JU, Jackisch C, Huober J, Stickeler E, Reinisch M, Link T, Sinn BV, Janni W, Denkert C, Furlanetto J, Engels K, Solbach C, Schmatloch S, Rey J, Burchardi N, Loibl S; GBG and AGO-B. Phase III randomised trial comparing intense dose-dense chemotherapy to tailored dose-dense chemotherapy in high-risk early breast cancer (GAIN-2). Eur J Cancer. 2021 Oct;156:138-148. Epub 2021 Aug 24. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01690702


iddEPC

iddEPC: intense dose-dense Epirubicin, Paclitaxel, Cyclophosphamide
IDD-ETC: Intense Dose-Dense Epirubicin, Taxol (Paclitaxel), Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Möbus et al. 2010 (AGO-iddEPC) 1998-2003 Phase 3 (E-esc) EC-T Superior OS1 (secondary endpoint)
OS120: 69% vs 59%
(HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.60-0.87)
Möbus et al. 2017 (GAIN) 2004-2008 Phase 3 (C) ddEC-XP Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

1Reported efficacy for AGO-iddEPC is based on the 2018 update.
Note: this dosing of cyclophosphamide was after a mid-protocol amendment of GAIN.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, iddE portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, iddP portion (cycles 4 to 6)

Chemotherapy, iddC portion (cycles 7 to 9)

Supportive therapy, all portions (cycles 1 to 9)

14-day cycle for 9 cycles (iddE x 3; iddP x 3; iddC x 3)

References

  1. AGO-iddEPC: Moebus V, Jackisch C, Lueck HJ, du Bois A, Thomssen C, Kurbacher C, Kuhn W, Nitz U, Schneeweiss A, Huober J, Harbeck N, von Minckwitz G, Runnebaum IB, Hinke A, Kreienberg R, Konecny GE, Untch M. Intense dose-dense sequential chemotherapy with epirubicin, paclitaxel, and cyclophosphamide compared with conventionally scheduled chemotherapy in high-risk primary breast cancer: mature results of an AGO phase III study. J Clin Oncol. 2010 Jun 10;28(17):2874-80. Epub 2010 May 10. link to original article PubMed
    1. Update: Möbus V, Jackisch C, Lück HJ, du Bois A, Thomssen C, Kuhn W, Nitz U, Schneeweiss A, Huober J, Harbeck N, von Minckwitz G, Runnebaum IB, Hinke A, Konecny GE, Untch M, Kurbacher C; AGO Breast Study Group (AGO-B). Ten-year results of intense dose-dense chemotherapy show superior survival compared with a conventional schedule in high-risk primary breast cancer: final results of AGO phase III iddEPC trial. Ann Oncol. 2018 Jan 1;29(1):178-185. link to original article PubMed
  2. GAIN: Möbus V, von Minckwitz G, Jackisch C, Lück HJ, Schneeweiss A, Tesch H, Elling D, Harbeck N, Conrad B, Fehm T, Huober J, Müller V, Bauerfeind I, du Bois A, Loibl S, Nekljudova V, Untch M, Thomssen C; German Breast Group; AGO Breast Study Group (AGO-B); NOGGO. German Adjuvant Intergroup Node-positive Study (GAIN): a phase III trial comparing two dose-dense regimens (iddEPC versus ddEC-PwX) in high-risk early breast cancer patients. Ann Oncol. 2017 Aug 1;28(8):1803-1810. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00196872


EP-ddCMF

EP-ddCMF: Epirubicin & Paclitaxel followed by dose-dense Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Fountzilas et al. 2007 (HE 10/00) 2000-2005 Phase 3 (C) ddE-ddP-ddCMF Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS36

Note: to our knowledge, this regimen was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, EP portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, ddCMF portion (cycles 5 to 7)

Supportive therapy, ddCMF portion (cycles 5 to 7)

  • G-CSF (dose not specified) SC once per day on days 2 to 10

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 14-day cycle for 3 cycles (EP x 4; ddCMF x 3)

References

  1. HE 10/00: Fountzilas G, Dafni U, Gogas H, Linardou H, Kalofonos HP, Briasoulis E, Pectasides D, Samantas E, Bafaloukos D, Stathopoulos GP, Karina M, Papadimitriou C, Skarlos D, Pisanidis N, Papakostas P, Markopoulos C, Tzorakoeleftherakis E, Dimitrakakis K, Makrantonakis P, Xiros N, Polichronis A, Varthalitis I, Karanikiotis C, Dimopoulos AM; Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group. Postoperative dose-dense sequential chemotherapy with epirubicin, paclitaxel and CMF in patients with high-risk breast cancer: safety analysis of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group randomized phase III trial HE 10/00. Ann Oncol. 2008 May;19(5):853-60. Epub 2007 Nov 27. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Gogas H, Dafni U, Karina M, Papadimitriou C, Batistatou A, Bobos M, Kalofonos HP, Eleftheraki AG, Timotheadou E, Bafaloukos D, Christodoulou C, Markopoulos C, Briasoulis E, Papakostas P, Samantas E, Kosmidis P, Stathopoulos GP, Karanikiotis C, Pectasides D, Dimopoulos MA, Fountzilas G. Postoperative dose-dense sequential versus concomitant administration of epirubicin and paclitaxel in patients with node-positive breast cancer: 5-year results of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group HE 10/00 phase III Trial. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2012 Apr;132(2):609-19. Epub 2011 Dec 21. link to original article PubMed


FAC-T

FAC-T: Fluorouracil, Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), Cyclophosphamide followed by Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Martín et al. 2013 (GEICAM 2003-02) 2003-2008 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) FAC x 6 Seems to have superior DFS (primary endpoint)
(HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.54-0.99)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, FAC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 5 to 12)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 7-day cycle for 8 cycles (FAC x 4; T x 8)

References

  1. GEICAM 2003-02: Martín M, Ruiz A, Ruiz Borrego M, Barnadas A, González S, Calvo L, Margelí Vila M, Antón A, Rodríguez-Lescure A, Seguí-Palmer MA, Muñoz-Mateu M, Dorca Ribugent J, López-Vega JM, Jara C, Espinosa E, Mendiola Fernández C, Andrés R, Ribelles N, Plazaola A, Sánchez-Rovira P, Salvador Bofill J, Crespo C, Carabantes FJ, Servitja S, Chacón JI, Rodríguez CA, Hernando B, Álvarez I, Carrasco E, Lluch A. Fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) versus FAC followed by weekly paclitaxel as adjuvant therapy for high-risk, node-negative breast cancer: results from the GEICAM/2003-02 study. J Clin Oncol. 2013 Jul 10;31(20):2593-9. Epub 2013 Jun 3. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00129389


FEC-D

FEC-D: Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide followed by Docetaxel

Regimen variant #1, 3 x 3

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Roché et al. 2006 (FNCLCC PACS 01) 1997-2000 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) FEC x 6 Superior OS1 (secondary endpoint)
OS96: 83.2% vs 78%
(aHR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62-0.92)

Seems to have superior DFS60 (primary endpoint)
de Gregorio et al. 2020 (SUCCESS-A) 2005-2007 Phase 3 (C) FEC-DG Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS60: 86.6% vs 87.2%
(HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.89-1.28)
Sakr et al. 2013 2006-2010 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) FEC; FEC 100 x 6 Seems to have superior OS (secondary endpoint)

Seems to have superior DFS60 (primary endpoint)
Campone et al. 2018 (UCBG 2-08) 2007-2010 Phase 3 (C) FEC-Ixabepilone Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS60
DFS60: 76% vs 79%
(HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.91-1.72)
Foukakis et al. 2016 (PANTHER) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) Dose-dense tailored chemotherapy Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
Delaloge et al. 2020 (MINDACT) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) TX Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS60: 88.8% vs 90.7%
(HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.87-1.67)
de Gregorio et al. 2022 (LMU Success C) 2008-2011 Phase 3 (C) TC Inconclusive whether non-inferior DFS2 (primary endpoint)

1Reported efficacy for FNCLCC PACS 01 is based on the 2012 update.
2LMU Success C was designed as a non-inferiority trial but was reported using a superiority design post-hoc analysis.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 4 to 6)

21-day cycle for 6 cycles (FEC x 3; D x 3)


Regimen variant #2, 4 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Ellis et al. 2009 (TACT) 2001-2003 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) 1a. E-CMF
1b. FEC x 8 		Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Note: This was an experimental arm that did not meet its primary endpoint; included here because other variants of this regimen have demonstrated comparative superiority.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, D portion (cycles 5 to 8)

21-day cycle for 8 cycles (FEC x 4; D x 4)

References

  1. FNCLCC PACS 01: Roché H, Fumoleau P, Spielmann M, Canon JL, Delozier T, Serin D, Symann M, Kerbrat P, Soulié P, Eichler F, Viens P, Monnier A, Vindevoghel A, Campone M, Goudier MJ, Bonneterre J, Ferrero JM, Martin AL, Genève J, Asselain B. Sequential adjuvant epirubicin-based and docetaxel chemotherapy for node-positive breast cancer patients: the FNCLCC PACS 01 Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Dec 20;24(36):5664-71. Epub 2006 Nov 20. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Coudert B, Asselain B, Campone M, Spielmann M, Machiels JP, Pénault-Llorca F, Serin D, Lévy C, Romieu G, Canon JL, Orfeuvre H, Piot G, Petit T, Jerusalem G, Audhuy B, Veyret C, Beauduin M, Eymard JC, Martin AL, Roché H; UNICANCER Breast Group. Extended benefit from sequential administration of docetaxel after standard fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide regimen for node-positive breast cancer: the 8-year follow-up results of the UNICANCER-PACS01 trial. Oncologist. 2012;17(7):900-9. Epub 2012 May 18. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  2. TACT: Ellis P, Barrett-Lee P, Johnson L, Cameron D, Wardley A, O'Reilly S, Verrill M, Smith I, Yarnold J, Coleman R, Earl H, Canney P, Twelves C, Poole C, Bloomfield D, Hopwood P, Johnston S, Dowsett M, Bartlett JM, Ellis I, Peckitt C, Hall E, Bliss JM; TACT Trial Management Group; TACT Trialists. Sequential docetaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer (TACT): an open-label, phase III, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2009 May 16;373(9676):1681-92. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed ISRCTN79718493
  3. Sakr H, Hamed RH, Anter AH, Yossef T. Sequential docetaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy for node-positive or/and T3 or T4 breast cancer: clinical outcome (Mansoura University). Med Oncol. 2013 Mar;30(1):457. Epub 2013 Jan 16. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  4. PANTHER: Foukakis T, von Minckwitz G, Bengtsson NO, Brandberg Y, Wallberg B, Fornander T, Mlineritsch B, Schmatloch S, Singer CF, Steger G, Egle D, Karlsson E, Carlsson L, Loibl S, Untch M, Hellström M, Johansson H, Anderson H, Malmström P, Gnant M, Greil R, Möbus V, Bergh J; Swedish Breast Cancer Group; German Breast Group; Austrian Breast & Colorectal Cancer Study Group. Effect of tailored dose-dense chemotherapy vs standard 3-weekly adjuvant chemotherapy on recurrence-free survival among women with high-risk early breast cancer: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2016 Nov 8;316(18):1888-1896. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00798070
  5. UCBG 2-08: Campone M, Lacroix-Triki M, Roca L, Spielmann M, Wildiers H, Cottu P, Kerbrat P, Levy C, Desmoulins I, Bachelot T, Winston T, Eymard JC, Uwer L, Duhoux FP, Verhoeven D, Jaubert D, Coeffic D, Orfeuvre H, Canon JL, Asselain B, Martin AL, Lemonnier J, Roché H. UCBG 2-08: 5-year efficacy results from the UNICANCER-PACS08 randomised phase III trial of adjuvant treatment with FEC100 and then either docetaxel or ixabepilone in patients with early-stage, poor prognosis breast cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2018 Nov;103:184-194. Epub 2018 Sep 26. link to original article PubMed NCT00630032
  6. MINDACT: Delaloge S, Piccart M, Rutgers E, Litière S, van 't Veer LJ, van den Berkmortel F, Brain E, Dudek-Peric A, Gil-Gil M, Gomez P, Hilbers FS, Khalil Z, Knox S, Kuemmel S, Kunz G, Lesur A, Pierga JY, Ravdin P, Rubio IT, Saghatchian M, Smilde TJ, Thompson AM, Viale G, Zoppoli G, Vuylsteke P, Tryfonidis K, Poncet C, Bogaerts J, Cardoso F; MINDACT investigators and the TRANSBIG Consortium. Standard Anthracycline Based Versus Docetaxel-Capecitabine in Early High Clinical and/or Genomic Risk Breast Cancer in the EORTC 10041/BIG 3-04 MINDACT Phase III Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Apr 10;38(11):1186-1197. Epub 2020 Feb 21. link to original article dosing details in supplement have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed NCT00433589
  7. SUCCESS-A: de Gregorio A, Häberle L, Fasching PA, Müller V, Schrader I, Lorenz R, Forstbauer H, Friedl TWP, Bauer E, de Gregorio N, Deniz M, Fink V, Bekes I, Andergassen U, Schneeweiss A, Tesch H, Mahner S, Brucker SY, Blohmer JU, Fehm TN, Heinrich G, Lato K, Beckmann MW, Rack B, Janni W. Gemcitabine as adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with high-risk early breast cancer-results from the randomized phase III SUCCESS-A trial. Breast Cancer Res. 2020 Oct 23;22(1):111. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT02181101
  8. LMU Success C: de Gregorio A, Janni W, Friedl TWP, Nitz U, Rack B, Schneeweiss A, Kates R, Fehm T, Kreipe H, Christgen M, Kuemmel S, Trapp E, Wuerstlein R, Hartkopf A, Clemens M, Reimer T, Haberle L, Fasching PA, Gluz O, Harbeck N. The impact of anthracyclines in intermediate and high-risk HER2-negative early breast cancer-a pooled analysis of the randomised clinical trials PlanB and SUCCESS C. Br J Cancer. 2022 Jun;126(12):1715-1724. Epub 2022 Feb 22. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00847444


ddFEC-ddD

ddFEC-D: dose-dense Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide followed by dose-dense Docetaxel

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Saloustros et al. 2014 (HORG CT/04.22) 2004-2007 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) ddFEC-T Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS36
Mavroudis et al. 2016 (HORG CT/07.17) 2007-2013 Phase 3 (C) TC Inconclusive whether non-inferior DFS36

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, ddFEC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, ddD portion (cycles 5 to 8)

Supportive therapy, both portions (cycles 1 to 8)

  • G-CSF support (drug/dose/schedule not specified)

14-day cycle for 8 cycles (ddFEC x 4; ddD x 4)

References

  1. HORG CT/04.22: Saloustros E, Malamos N, Boukovinas I, Kakolyris S, Kouroussis C, Athanasiadis A, Ziras N, Kentepozidis N, Makrantonakis P, Polyzos A, Christophyllakis C, Georgoulias V, Mavroudis D. Dose-dense paclitaxel versus docetaxel following FEC as adjuvant chemotherapy in axillary node-positive early breast cancer: a multicenter randomized study of the Hellenic Oncology Research Group (HORG). Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2014 Dec;148(3):591-7. Epub 2014 Nov 16. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00431080
  2. HORG CT/07.17: Mavroudis D, Matikas A, Malamos N, Papakotoulas P, Kakolyris S, Boukovinas I, Athanasiadis A, Kentepozidis N, Ziras N, Katsaounis P, Saloustros E, Georgoulias V; HORG. Dose-dense FEC followed by docetaxel versus docetaxel plus cyclophosphamide as adjuvant chemotherapy in women with HER2-negative, axillary lymph node-positive early breast cancer: a multicenter randomized study by the Hellenic Oncology Research Group (HORG). Ann Oncol. 2016 Oct;27(10):1873-8. Epub 2016 Aug 8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01985724


FEC-P

FEC-P: Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide followed by Paclitaxel
FEC-T: Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide followed by Taxol (Paclitaxel)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Martín et al. 2008 (GEICAM 9906) 1999-2002 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) FEC x 6 Superior DFS60 (primary endpoint)
DFS60: 78.5% vs 72.1%
(HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.95)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 1 to 4)

Chemotherapy, P portion (cycles 5 to 12)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles, then 7-day cycle for 8 cycles (FEC x 4; P x 8)

References

  1. GEICAM 9906: Martín M, Rodríguez-Lescure A, Ruiz A, Alba E, Calvo L, Ruiz-Borrego M, Munárriz B, Rodríguez CA, Crespo C, de Alava E, López García-Asenjo JA, Guitián MD, Almenar S, González-Palacios JF, Vera F, Palacios J, Ramos M, Gracia Marco JM, Lluch A, Alvarez I, Seguí MA, Mayordomo JI, Antón A, Baena JM, Plazaola A, Modolell A, Pelegrí A, Mel JR, Aranda E, Adrover E, Alvarez JV, García Puche JL, Sánchez-Rovira P, Gonzalez S, López-Vega JM; GEICAM. Randomized phase 3 trial of fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide alone or followed by paclitaxel for early breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2008 Jun 4;100(11):805-14. Epub 2008 May 27. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00129922
  2. GIM2: Del Mastro L, De Placido S, Bruzzi P, De Laurentiis M, Boni C, Cavazzini G, Durando A, Turletti A, Nisticò C, Valle E, Garrone O, Puglisi F, Montemurro F, Barni S, Ardizzoni A, Gamucci T, Colantuoni G, Giuliano M, Gravina A, Papaldo P, Bighin C, Bisagni G, Forestieri V, Cognetti F; GIM. Fluorouracil and dose-dense chemotherapy in adjuvant treatment of patients with early-stage breast cancer: an open-label, 2 x 2 factorial, randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2015 May 9;385(9980):1863-72. Epub 2015 Mar 2. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00433420
    1. Update: Del Mastro L, Poggio F, Blondeaux E, De Placido S, Giuliano M, Forestieri V, De Laurentiis M, Gravina A, Bisagni G, Rimanti A, Turletti A, Nisticò C, Vaccaro A, Cognetti F, Fabi A, Gasparro S, Garrone O, Alicicco MG, Urracci Y, Mansutti M, Poletti P, Correale P, Bighin C, Puglisi F, Montemurro F, Colantuoni G, Lambertini M, Boni L; Gruppo Italiano Mammella Investigators. Fluorouracil and dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early-stage breast cancer (GIM2): end-of-study results from a randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2022 Dec;23(12):1571-1582. Epub 2022 Nov 10. link to original article PubMed


T-FEC

T-FEC: Taxol (Paclitaxel), followed by Epirubicin & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Kelly et al. 2012 (MDACC ID01-580) 2002-2008 Phase 3 (C) TX-FEC Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, T portion (cycles 1 to 12)

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 13 to 16)

7-day cycle for 12 cycles, then 21-day cycle for 4 cycles (T x 12; FEC x 4)

References

  1. MDACC ID01-580: Kelly CM, Green MC, Broglio K, Thomas ES, Brewster AM, Valero V, Ibrahim NK, Gonzalez-Angulo AM, Booser DJ, Walters RS, Hunt KK, Hortobagyi GN, Buzdar AU. Phase III trial evaluating weekly paclitaxel versus docetaxel in combination with capecitabine in operable breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Mar 20;30(9):930-5. Epub 2012 Feb 13. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00050167


TX-CEX

TX-CEX: Taxotere (Docetaxel) & Xeloda (Capecitabine) followed by Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin, Xeloda (Capecitabine)

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Joensuu et al. 2009 (FinXX) 2004-2007 Phase 3 (E-esc) D-FEC Superior RFS (primary endpoint)
RFS36: 93% vs 89%
(HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.94)

Seems to have superior OS1 (secondary endpoint)
OS180: 77.6% vs 73.3%
(HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.66-0.99)

1Reported OS efficacy is based on the 2022 update.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, TX portion (cycles 1 to 3)

Chemotherapy, CEX portion (cycles 4 to 6)

21-day cycle for 6 cycles (TX x 3; CEX x 3)

References

  1. FinXX: Joensuu H, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL, Huovinen R, Jukkola-Vuorinen A, Tanner M, Asola R, Kokko R, Ahlgren J, Auvinen P, Hemminki A, Paija O, Helle L, Nuortio L, Villman K, Nilsson G, Lahtela SL, Lehtiö K, Pajunen M, Poikonen P, Nyandoto P, Kataja V, Bono P, Leinonen M, Lindman H; FinXX Study Investigators. Adjuvant capecitabine in combination with docetaxel and cyclophosphamide plus epirubicin for breast cancer: an open-label, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2009 Dec;10(12):1145-51. Epub 2009 Nov 10. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00114816
    1. Update: Joensuu H, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL, Huovinen R, Jukkola-Vuorinen A, Tanner M, Kokko R, Ahlgren J, Auvinen P, Paija O, Helle L, Villman K, Nyandoto P, Nilsson G, Pajunen M, Asola R, Poikonen P, Leinonen M, Kataja V, Bono P, Lindman H. Adjuvant capecitabine, docetaxel, cyclophosphamide, and epirubicin for early breast cancer: final analysis of the randomized FinXX trial. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Jan 1;30(1):11-8. Epub 2011 Nov 21. link to original article PubMed
    2. Update: Joensuu H, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL, Huovinen R, Jukkola A, Tanner M, Ahlgren J, Auvinen P, Lahdenperä O, Villman K, Nyandoto P, Nilsson G, Poikonen-Saksela P, Kataja V, Bono P, Junnila J, Lindman H. Adjuvant Capecitabine for Early Breast Cancer: 15-Year Overall Survival Results From a Randomized Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2022 Apr 1;40(10):1051-1058. Epub 2022 Jan 12. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


V-FEC

V-FEC: Vinorelbine followed by Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Joensuu et al. 2006 (FinHer) 2000-2003 Phase 3 (C) D-FEC Inferior DDFS

Note: this is the study design for patients with HER2-negative disease.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy, V portion (cycles 1 to 3)

  • Vinorelbine (Navelbine) as follows:
    • Cycles 1 & 2: 25 mg/m2 IV over 5 to 10 minutes once per day on days 1, 8, 15
    • Cycle 3: 25 mg/m2 IV over 5 to 10 minutes once per day on days 1 & 8

Chemotherapy, FEC portion (cycles 4 to 6)

21-day cycle for 6 cycles (V x 3; FEC x 3)

References

  1. FinHer: Joensuu H, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL, Bono P, Alanko T, Kataja V, Asola R, Utriainen T, Kokko R, Hemminki A, Tarkkanen M, Turpeenniemi-Hujanen T, Jyrkkiö S, Flander M, Helle L, Ingalsuo S, Johansson K, Jääskeläinen AS, Pajunen M, Rauhala M, Kaleva-Kerola J, Salminen T, Leinonen M, Elomaa I, Isola J; FinHer Study Investigators. Adjuvant docetaxel or vinorelbine with or without trastuzumab for breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2006 Feb 23;354(8):809-20. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed ISRCTN76560285
    1. Update: Joensuu H, Bono P, Kataja V, Alanko T, Kokko R, Asola R, Utriainen T, Turpeenniemi-Hujanen T, Jyrkkiö S, Möykkynen K, Helle L, Ingalsuo S, Pajunen M, Huusko M, Salminen T, Auvinen P, Leinonen H, Leinonen M, Isola J, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL. Fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide with either docetaxel or vinorelbine, with or without trastuzumab, as adjuvant treatments of breast cancer: final results of the FinHer trial. J Clin Oncol. 2009 Dec 1;27(34):5685-92. Epub 2009 Nov 2. link to original article PubMed


Adjuvant chemotherapy

Bevacizumab monotherapy

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Bear et al. 2012 (NSABP B-40) 2007-2010 Phase 3 (E-esc) See link See link

Preceding treatment

Targeted therapy

21-day cycle for 10 cycles

References

  1. NSABP B-40: Bear HD, Tang G, Rastogi P, Geyer CE Jr, Robidoux A, Atkins JN, Baez-Diaz L, Brufsky AM, Mehta RS, Fehrenbacher L, Young JA, Senecal FM, Gaur R, Margolese RG, Adams PT, Gross HM, Costantino JP, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Bevacizumab added to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2012 Jan 26;366(4):310-20. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00408408
    1. Update: Bear HD, Tang G, Rastogi P, Geyer CE Jr, Liu Q, Robidoux A, Baez-Diaz L, Brufsky AM, Mehta RS, Fehrenbacher L, Young JA, Senecal FM, Gaur R, Margolese RG, Adams PT, Gross HM, Costantino JP, Paik S, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Neoadjuvant plus adjuvant bevacizumab in early breast cancer (NSABP B-40 [NRG Oncology]): secondary outcomes of a phase 3, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2015 Sep;16(9):1037-1048. Epub 2015 Aug 10. Erratum in: Lancet Oncol. 2015 Dec;16(16):e589. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


Capecitabine monotherapy

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Muss et al. 2009 (CALGB 49907) 2001-2006 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) Investigator's choice of:
1a. AC x 4
1b. CMF x 6 		Seems to have inferior RFS1 (primary endpoint)
Masuda et al. 2017 (CREATE-X) 2007-2012 Phase 3 (E-esc) Standard therapy Superior DFS (primary endpoint)
DFS60: 74.1% vs 67.6%
(HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53-0.92)

Superior OS (secondary endpoint)
OS60: 89.2% vs 83.6%
(HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39-0.90)

1Reported efficacy for CALGB 49907 is based on the 2019 update.
Note: patients in CALGB 49907 received a maximum of 6 cycles. All patients in CREATE-X had residual disease at time of surgical resection. Concomitant endocrine therapy was allowed.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 to 8 cycles

References

  1. CALGB 49907: Muss HB, Berry DA, Cirrincione CT, Theodoulou M, Mauer AM, Kornblith AB, Partridge AH, Dressler LG, Cohen HJ, Becker HP, Kartcheske PA, Wheeler JD, Perez EA, Wolff AC, Gralow JR, Burstein HJ, Mahmood AA, Magrinat G, Parker BA, Hart RD, Grenier D, Norton L, Hudis CA, Winer EP; CALGB. Adjuvant chemotherapy in older women with early-stage breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2009 May 14;360(20):2055-65. Erratum in: N Engl J Med. 2009 Oct 22;361(17):1714. Magrinat, Gutav [corrected to Magrinat, Gustav]. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00024102
    1. Update: Muss HB, Polley MC, Berry DA, Liu H, Cirrincione CT, Theodoulou M, Mauer AM, Kornblith AB, Partridge AH, Dressler LG, Cohen HJ, Kartcheske PA, Perez EA, Wolff AC, Gralow JR, Burstein HJ, Mahmood AA, Sutton LM, Magrinat G, Parker BA, Hart RD, Grenier D, Hurria A, Jatoi A, Norton L, Hudis CA, Winer EP, Carey L. Randomized Trial of Standard Adjuvant Chemotherapy Regimens Versus Capecitabine in Older Women With Early Breast Cancer: 10-Year Update of the CALGB 49907 Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2019 Sep 10;37(26):2338-2348. Epub 2019 Jul 24. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  2. CREATE-X: Masuda N, Lee SJ, Ohtani S, Im YH, Lee ES, Yokota I, Kuroi K, Im SA, Park BW, Kim SB, Yanagita Y, Ohno S, Takao S, Aogi K, Iwata H, Jeong J, Kim A, Park KH, Sasano H, Ohashi Y, Toi M; Japan Breast Cancer Research Group; Korean Breast Cancer Study Group; Korean Cancer Study Group. Adjuvant capecitabine for breast cancer after preoperative chemotherapy. N Engl J Med. 2017 Jun 1;376(22):2147-2159. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed UMIN000000843


CMF

CMF: Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil

Regimen variant #1, 600/40/600 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Ron et al. 2001 1988-1992 Phase 3 (C) CNF Seems to have inferior DFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #2, 600/40/600 x 6 to 8

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Sparano et al. 2018 (TAILORx) 2006-2010 Phase 3 (C) No chemotherapy Non-inferior IDFS (primary endpoint)

Eligibility criteria

  • TAILORx: Oncotype DX score of 11 to 25

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 to 8 cycles


Regimen variant #3, 600/40/600 x 8, q4wk

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Overgaard et al. 1997 (DBCG 82b) 1982-1989 Phase 3 (E-switch-ooc) See link See link

Note: in DBCG 82b, radiotherapy was given between cycles 1 & 2.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 8 cycles


Regimen variant #4, 600/40/600 x 9

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Ejlertsen et al. 2007 (DBCG 89D) 1990-1998 Phase 3 (C) FEC x 9 Inferior OS

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 9 cycles


Regimen variant #5, 600/60/600 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Martin et al. 2003 (GEICAM 8701) 1987-1991 Phase 3 (C) FAC; 500/50/500 x 6 Might have inferior DFS

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #6, 700/30/700 x 24

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Clahsen et al. 1995 (EORTC 09771) 1976-1980 Phase 3 (E-esc) Observation Seems to have superior OS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

1-month cycle for 24 cycles


Regimen variant #7, 750/50/600 x 6-8 ("Scottish Breast Group schedule")

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Stewart et al. 1993 1980-1990 Phase 3 (C) 1. CMFP
2. Bilateral oophorectomy
3. Oophorectomy & Prednisolone 		Did not meet primary endpoint of EFS
Poole et al. 2006 (BR9601) 1996-2001 Phase 3 (C) E-CMF x 4+4 Inferior OS
Fernando et al. 2019 (SECRAB) 1998-2004 Phase 3 (C) 1a. CMF & RT
1b. E-CMF & RT
1c. A-CMF & RT
1d. MMM & RT 		Inferior LRFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for varying durations: 6 to 8 cycles; 8 cycles (BR9601)


Regimen variant #8, 840/50/800

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Hubay et al. 1980 Not reported Randomized (C) 1. CMFT Seems to have inferior RFS
2. CMFT & BCG Did not meet endpoints of RFS/OS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 12 cycles


Regimen variant #9, 1000/80/1000 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Kimura et al. 2009 1996-2000 Phase 3 (C) FEC Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #10, 1000/80/1200 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Jonat et al. 2002 (ZEBRA) 1990-1996 Phase 3 (C) Goserelin x 2 y Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
Schmid et al. 2007 (TABLE) 1995-1998 Phase 3 (C) Leuprolide Inferior OS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #11, 1120/60/1000 x 12

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Brincker et al. 1983 (DBCG 77B) 1977-1983 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. Cyclophosphamide Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
2. Levamisole Not reported
3. No chemotherapy Seems to have superior OS1 (secondary endpoint)

1Reported efficacy versus no chemotherapy is based on the 2010 update.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

1-month cycle for 12 cycles


Regimen variant #12, 1120/64/960 x 12

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Howell et al. 1984 1976-1983 Phase 3 (E-esc) Observation Superior RFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 12 cycles


Regimen variant #13, 1200/80/1200 x 1

Historic variant
Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Goldhirsch et al. 1989 (LCBS V) 1981-1985 Phase 3 (E-esc) No further treatment Seems to have superior DFS

Note: leucovorin was not used for antineoplastic effect in this regimen.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

Supportive therapy

8-day course


Regimen variant #14, 1200/80/1200 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Perrone et al. 2014 (ELDA) 2003-2011 Phase 3 (C) Docetaxel Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Note: In ELDA, this protocol was for ER/PR+ patients.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 4 cycles


Regimen variant #15, 1200/80/1200 x 6 ("Classical" IV)

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Ragaz et al. 1997 1978-1986 Phase 3 (C) CMF & RT Seems to have inferior OS
Coombes et al. 1996 1984-1992 Phase 3 (C) FEC Did not meet co-primary endpoints of RFS/OS
Taucher et al. 2007 (ABCSG-07) 1991-1999 Phase 3 (C) CMF; neoadjuvant Seems to have superior RFS
Poole et al. 2006 (NEAT) 1996-2001 Phase 3 (C) E-CMF x 4+4 Inferior OS
Fernando et al. 2019 (SECRAB) 1998-2004 Phase 3 (C) 1a. CMF & RT
1b. E-CMF & RT
1c. A-CMF & RT
1d. MMM & RT 		Inferior LRFS
Perrone et al. 2014 (ELDA) 2003-2011 Phase 3 (C) Docetaxel Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Note: In ELDA, this protocol was for ER/PR- patients.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #16, 1400/60/1200 x 12

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Rubens et al. 1989 (EORTC 10792) 1979-1985 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. Observation Did not meet endpoint of OS
2. Tamoxifen
3. CMFT 		Not reported

Note: this trial had a complex efficacy analysis; see paper for details.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 12 cycles


Regimen variant #17, 1400/80/1000 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Watanabe et al. 2009 (NSAS BC-01) 1996-2001 Phase 3 (C) UFT Inconclusive whether non-inferior RFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #18, 1400/80/1200 x 3

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Castiglione-Gertsch et al. 1996 (IBCSG VI) 1986-1993 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) 1. CMF x 6 Seems to have inferior DFS
2. CMF x 3, with re-introduction
3. CMF x 6, with re-introduction 		Might have inferior DFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 3 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #19, 1400/80/1200 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Tancini et al. 1979 (CALGB 7581) 1975 to not reported Phase 3 (E-de-esc) CMF x 12 Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
Coombes et al. 1996 1984-1992 Phase 3 (C) FEC Did not meet co-primary endpoints of RFS/OS
Castiglione-Gertsch et al. 1996 (IBCSG VI) 1986-1993 Phase 3 (C) 1. CMF x 3 Seems to have superior DFS
2. CMF x 3, with re-introduction
3. CMF x 6, with re-introduction 		Might have inferior DFS
Piccart et al. 2001 (Belgian trial) 1988-1996 Phase 3 (C) 1. EC; full-dose Did not meet primary endpoint of EFS
2. EC; moderate-dose Did not meet primary endpoint of EFS
Levine et al. 1998 (NCIC-CTG MA.5) 1989-1993 Phase 3 (C) CEF Inferior RFS
Amadori et al. 2000 1989-1993 Phase 3 (E-esc) Observation Seems to have superior DFS
Hutchins et al. 2005 (INT-0102) 1989-1993 Phase 3 (C) CAF Seems to have inferior OS
Jonat et al. 2002 (ZEBRA) 1990-1996 Phase 3 (C) Goserelin x 2 y Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
Fisher et al. 2001 (NSABP B-23) 1991-1998 Phase 3 (C) AC Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Adjuvant Breast Cancer Trials Collaborative Group 2007 (NCRI ABC-CT) 1992-2000 Phase 3 (E-esc) Observation Seems to have superior OS (primary endpoint)
(aHR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70-0.99)
Poole et al. 2006 (NEAT) 1996-2001 Phase 3 (C) E-CMF x 4+4 Inferior OS
Fernando et al. 2019 (SECRAB) 1998-2004 Phase 3 (C) 1a. CMF & RT
1b. E-CMF & RT
1c. A-CMF & RT
1d. MMM & RT 		Inferior LRFS
Muss et al. 2009 (CALGB 49907) 2001-2006 Phase 3 (C) Capecitabine Seems to have superior OS1 (secondary endpoint)
RFS120: 56% vs 50%
(HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.62-0.98)

Seems to have superior RFS (primary endpoint)
Sparano et al. 2018 (TAILORx) 2006-2010 Phase 3 (C) No chemotherapy Non-inferior IDFS (primary endpoint)

1Reported efficacy for CALGB 49907 is based on the 2019 update.

Eligibility criteria

  • TAILORx: Oncotype DX score of 11 to 25

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #20, 1400/80/1200 x 12

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Bonadonna et al. 1976 1973-1975 Phase 3 (E-esc) Observation Superior RFS
Tancini et al. 1979 (CALGB 7581) 1975 to not reported Phase 3 (C) CMF x 6 Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
Misset et al. 1996 (OncoFrance) 1978-1981 Phase 3 (C) AVCF Inferior OS
Tormey et al. 1990 (ECOG E5177) 1978-1982 Phase 3 (C) 1. CMFP
2. CMFPT 		Did not meet co-primary endpoints of time to response/OS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 12 cycles

References

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  19. NSABP B-23: Fisher B, Anderson S, Tan-Chiu E, Wolmark N, Wickerham DL, Fisher ER, Dimitrov NV, Atkins JN, Abramson N, Merajver S, Romond EH, Kardinal CG, Shibata HR, Margolese RG, Farrar WB. Tamoxifen and chemotherapy for axillary node-negative, estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer: findings from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project B-23. J Clin Oncol. 2001 Feb 15;19(4):931-42. link to original article PubMed
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  22. ZEBRA: Jonat W, Kaufmann M, Sauerbrei W, Blamey R, Cuzick J, Namer M, Fogelman I, de Haes JC, de Matteis A, Stewart A, Eiermann W, Szakolczai I, Palmer M, Schumacher M, Geberth M, Lisboa B; Zoladex Early Breast Cancer Research Association Study. Goserelin versus cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil as adjuvant therapy in premenopausal patients with node-positive breast cancer: the Zoladex Early Breast Cancer Research Association study. J Clin Oncol. 2002 Dec 15;20(24):4628-35. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  23. GEICAM 8701: Martin M, Villar A, Sole-Calvo A, Gonzalez R, Massuti B, Lizon J, Camps C, Carrato A, Casado A, Candel MT, Albanell J, Aranda J, Munarriz B, Campbell J, Diaz-Rubio E; GEICAM. Doxorubicin in combination with fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide (iv FAC regimen, day 1, 21) versus methotrexate in combination with fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide (iv CMF regimen, day 1, 21) as adjuvant chemotherapy for operable breast cancer: a study by the GEICAM group. Ann Oncol. 2003 Jun;14(6):833-42. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
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  25. NEAT: Poole CJ, Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Bathers S, Grieve RJ, Spooner DA, Agrawal RK, Fernando IN, Brunt AM, O'Reilly SM, Crawford SM, Rea DW, Simmonds P, Mansi JL, Stanley A, Harvey P, McAdam K, Foster L, Leonard RC, Twelves CJ; NEAT Investigators and the SCTBG. Epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil as adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2006 Nov 2;355(18):1851-62. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003577
    1. Update: Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Vallier AL, Bowden SJ, Jordan SD, Blows F, Munro A, Bathers S, Grieve R, Spooner DA, Agrawal R, Fernando I, Brunt AM, O'Reilly SM, Crawford SM, Rea DW, Simmonds P, Mansi JL, Stanley A, McAdam K, Foster L, Leonard RC, Twelves CJ, Cameron D, Bartlett JM, Pharoah P, Provenzano E, Caldas C, Poole CJ; NEAT Investigators and the SCTBG. Adjuvant epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil (CMF) vs CMF in early breast cancer: results with over 7 years median follow-up from the randomised phase III NEAT/BR9601 trials. Br J Cancer. 2012 Oct 9;107(8):1257-67. Epub 2012 Sep 11. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  26. BR9601: Poole CJ, Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Bathers S, Grieve RJ, Spooner DA, Agrawal RK, Fernando IN, Brunt AM, O'Reilly SM, Crawford SM, Rea DW, Simmonds P, Mansi JL, Stanley A, Harvey P, McAdam K, Foster L, Leonard RC, Twelves CJ; NEAT Investigators and the SCTBG. Epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil as adjuvant therapy for early breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2006 Nov 2;355(18):1851-62. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003012
    1. Update: Earl HM, Hiller L, Dunn JA, Vallier AL, Bowden SJ, Jordan SD, Blows F, Munro A, Bathers S, Grieve R, Spooner DA, Agrawal R, Fernando I, Brunt AM, O'Reilly SM, Crawford SM, Rea DW, Simmonds P, Mansi JL, Stanley A, McAdam K, Foster L, Leonard RC, Twelves CJ, Cameron D, Bartlett JM, Pharoah P, Provenzano E, Caldas C, Poole CJ; NEAT Investigators and the SCTBG. Adjuvant epirubicin followed by cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil (CMF) vs CMF in early breast cancer: results with over 7 years median follow-up from the randomised phase III NEAT/BR9601 trials. Br J Cancer. 2012 Oct 9;107(8):1257-67. Epub 2012 Sep 11. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
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  30. ABCSG-07: Taucher S, Steger GG, Jakesz R, Tausch C, Wette V, Schippinger W, Kwasny W, Reiner G, Greil R, Dubsky P, Poestlberger S, Tschmelitsch J, Samonigg H, Gnant M; ABCSG. The potential risk of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients--results from a prospective randomized trial of the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group (ABCSG-07). Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2008 Nov;112(2):309-16. Epub 2007 Dec 14. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  31. NSAS BC-01: Watanabe T, Sano M, Takashima S, Kitaya T, Tokuda Y, Yoshimoto M, Kohno N, Nakagami K, Iwata H, Shimozuma K, Sonoo H, Tsuda H, Sakamoto G, Ohashi Y. Oral uracil and tegafur compared with classic cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil as postoperative chemotherapy in patients with node-negative, high-risk breast cancer: National Surgical Adjuvant Study for Breast Cancer 01 trial. J Clin Oncol. 2009 Mar 20;27(9):1368-74. Epub 2009 Feb 9. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00152191
  32. TACT: Ellis P, Barrett-Lee P, Johnson L, Cameron D, Wardley A, O'Reilly S, Verrill M, Smith I, Yarnold J, Coleman R, Earl H, Canney P, Twelves C, Poole C, Bloomfield D, Hopwood P, Johnston S, Dowsett M, Bartlett JM, Ellis I, Peckitt C, Hall E, Bliss JM; TACT Trial Management Group; TACT Trialists. Sequential docetaxel as adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer (TACT): an open-label, phase III, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2009 May 16;373(9676):1681-92. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed ISRCTN79718493
  33. CALGB 49907: Muss HB, Berry DA, Cirrincione CT, Theodoulou M, Mauer AM, Kornblith AB, Partridge AH, Dressler LG, Cohen HJ, Becker HP, Kartcheske PA, Wheeler JD, Perez EA, Wolff AC, Gralow JR, Burstein HJ, Mahmood AA, Magrinat G, Parker BA, Hart RD, Grenier D, Norton L, Hudis CA, Winer EP; CALGB. Adjuvant chemotherapy in older women with early-stage breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2009 May 14;360(20):2055-65. Erratum in: N Engl J Med. 2009 Oct 22;361(17):1714. Magrinat, Gutav [corrected to Magrinat, Gustav]. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00024102
    1. Update: Muss HB, Polley MC, Berry DA, Liu H, Cirrincione CT, Theodoulou M, Mauer AM, Kornblith AB, Partridge AH, Dressler LG, Cohen HJ, Kartcheske PA, Perez EA, Wolff AC, Gralow JR, Burstein HJ, Mahmood AA, Sutton LM, Magrinat G, Parker BA, Hart RD, Grenier D, Hurria A, Jatoi A, Norton L, Hudis CA, Winer EP, Carey L. Randomized Trial of Standard Adjuvant Chemotherapy Regimens Versus Capecitabine in Older Women With Early Breast Cancer: 10-Year Update of the CALGB 49907 Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2019 Sep 10;37(26):2338-2348. Epub 2019 Jul 24. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  34. Kimura M, Tominaga T, Takatsuka Y, Toi M, Abe R, Koyama H, Takashima S, Nomura Y, Miura S, Kimijima I, Tashiro H, Ohashi Y; Adjuvant CEF Research Group for Breast Cancer. Randomized trial of cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil chemotherapy compared with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil with node-positive breast cancer in Japan. Breast Cancer. 2010 Jul;17(3):190-8. Epub 2009 Jul 3. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  35. ELDA: Perrone F, Nuzzo F, Di Rella F, Gravina A, Iodice G, Labonia V, Landi G, Pacilio C, Rossi E, De Laurentiis M, D'Aiuto M, Botti G, Forestieri V, Lauria R, De Placido S, Tinessa V, Daniele B, Gori S, Colantuoni G, Barni S, Riccardi F, De Maio E, Montanino A, Morabito A, Daniele G, Di Maio M, Piccirillo MC, Signoriello S, Gallo C, de Matteis A. Weekly docetaxel versus CMF as adjuvant chemotherapy for older women with early breast cancer: final results of the randomized phase III ELDA trial. Ann Oncol. 2015 Apr;26(4):675-82. Epub 2014 Dec 8. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00331097
  36. TAILORx: Sparano JA, Gray RJ, Makower DF, Pritchard KI, Albain KS, Hayes DF, Geyer CE Jr, Dees EC, Goetz MP, Olson JA Jr, Lively T, Badve SS, Saphner TJ, Wagner LI, Whelan TJ, Ellis MJ, Paik S, Wood WC, Ravdin PM, Keane MM, Gomez Moreno HL, Reddy PS, Goggins TF, Mayer IA, Brufsky AM, Toppmeyer DL, Kaklamani VG, Berenberg JL, Abrams J, Sledge GW Jr. Adjuvant chemotherapy guided by a 21-gene expression assay in breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018 Jul 12;379(2):111-121. Epub 2018 Jun 3. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in supplement have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00310180
  37. SECRAB: Fernando IN, Bowden SJ, Herring K, Brookes CL, Ahmed I, Marshall A, Grieve R, Churn M, Spooner D, Latief TN, Agrawal RK, Brunt AM, Stevens A, Goodman A, Canney P, Bishop J, Ritchie D, Dunn J, Poole CJ, Rea DW; SECRAB Investigators. Synchronous versus sequential chemo-radiotherapy in patients with early stage breast cancer (SECRAB): A randomised, phase III, trial. Radiother Oncol. 2020 Jan;142:52-61. Epub 2019 Nov 27. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00003893


CMFT

CMFT: Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, Fluorouracil, Tamoxifen

Regimen variant #1, 600/40/600 x 9, 30 x 12 mo

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Overgaard et al. 1999 (DBCG 82C) 1982-1990 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. Tamoxifen Superior DFS1
2. Tamoxifen & RT Not reported

1Reported efficacy for this arm versus tamoxifen monotherapy is based on the 2013 update.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy

28-day cycle for 13 cycles


Regimen variant #2, 780/80/1000 x 6, 20 x 2 yr

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Park et al. 2009 (Taiho 91023033) 1996-2000 Phase 3 (C) UFT & Tamoxifen Non-inferior RFS60

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy

28-day cycle for 26 cycles


Regimen variant #3, 840/50/800/40 x 12

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Hubay et al. 1980 Not reported Randomized (E-RT-esc) 1. CMF Seems to have superior RFS
2. CMFT & BCG Did not meet endpoints of RFS/OS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

Endocrine therapy

28-day cycle for 12 cycles

References

  1. Hubay CA, Pearson OH, Marshall JS, Rhodes RS, Debanne SM, Mansour EG, Hermann RE, Jones JC, Flynn WJ, Eckert C, McGuire WL. Antiestrogen, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination in stage II breast cancer: a preliminary report. Surgery. 1980 May;87(5):494-501. link to original article PubMed
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  2. NSABP B-20: Fisher B, Dignam J, Wolmark N, DeCillis A, Emir B, Wickerham DL, Bryant J, Dimitrov NV, Abramson N, Atkins JN, Shibata H, Deschenes L, Margolese RG. Tamoxifen and chemotherapy for lymph node-negative, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1997 Nov 19;89(22):1673-82. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Pooled update: Fisher B, Jeong JH, Bryant J, Anderson S, Dignam J, Fisher ER, Wolmark N; National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project randomised clinical trials. Treatment of lymph-node-negative, oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer: long-term findings from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project randomised clinical trials. Lancet. 2004 Sep 4-10;364(9437):858-68. link to original article PubMed
    2. Pooled update: Taghian AG, Jeong JH, Mamounas EP, Parda DS, Deutsch M, Costantino JP, Wolmark N. Low locoregional recurrence rate among node-negative breast cancer patients with tumors 5 cm or larger treated by mastectomy, with or without adjuvant systemic therapy and without radiotherapy: results from five national surgical adjuvant breast and bowel project randomized clinical trials. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Aug 20;24(24):3927-32. link to original article PubMed
  3. DBCG 82C: Overgaard M, Jensen MB, Overgaard J, Hansen PS, Rose C, Andersson M, Kamby C, Kjaer M, Gadeberg CC, Rasmussen BB, Blichert-Toft M, Mouridsen HT. Postoperative radiotherapy in high-risk postmenopausal breast-cancer patients given adjuvant tamoxifen: Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group DBCG 82c randomised trial. Lancet. 1999 May 15;353(9165):1641-8. link to original article does not contain dosing details in manuscript PubMed
    1. Update: Ejlertsen B, Jensen MB, Elversang J, Rasmussen BB, Andersson M, Andersen J, Nielsen DL, Cold S, Mouridsen HT. One year of adjuvant tamoxifen compared with chemotherapy and tamoxifen in postmenopausal patients with stage II breast cancer. Eur J Cancer. 2013 Sep;49(14):2986-94. Epub 2013 Jun 8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  4. Taiho 91023033: Park Y, Okamura K, Mitsuyama S, Saito T, Koh J, Kyono S, Higaki K, Ogita M, Asaga T, Inaji H, Komichi H, Kohno N, Yamazaki K, Tanaka F, Ito T, Nishikawa H, Osaki A, Koyama H, Suzuki T. Uracil-tegafur and tamoxifen vs cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, fluorouracil, and tamoxifen in post-operative adjuvant therapy for stage I, II, or IIIA lymph node-positive breast cancer: a comparative study. Br J Cancer. 2009 Aug 18;101(4):598-604. Epub 2009 Jul 28. Erratum in: Br J Cancer. 2009 Sep 15;101(6):1031. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00152178


Cyclophosphamide & Docetaxel (TC)

TC: Taxotere (Docetaxel) & Cyclophosphamide
DC: Docetaxel & Cyclophosphamide

Regimen variant #1, 4 cycles

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Jones et al. 2006 (USOR 9735) 1997-1999 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) AC Seems to have superior OS
Sparano et al. 2018 (TAILORx) 2006-2010 Phase 3 (C) No chemotherapy Non-inferior IDFS (primary endpoint)
Blum et al. 2017 (USOR 06-090) 2007-2009 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) TAC Seems to have inferior IDFS
Blum et al. 2017 (NSABP-46-I/USOR 07132) 2009-2012 Phase 3 (C) TAC Seems to have inferior IDFS
Blum et al. 2017 (NSABP B-49) 2012-04-04 to 2013-11-21 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) TAC Seems to have inferior IDFS (primary endpoint)

Note: Blum et al. 2017 is a pooled analysis of three RCTs, some of which had arms other than TAC and TC. Refer to the paper for further details.

Eligibility criteria

  • TAILORx: Oncotype DX score of 11 to 25

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

Supportive therapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles


Regimen variant #2, 6 cycles

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Mavroudis et al. 2016 (HORG CT/07.17) 2007-2013 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) ddFEC-D Inconclusive whether non-inferior DFS36 (primary endpoint)
de Gregorio et al. 2022 (LMU Success C) 2008-2011 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) FEC-D Inconclusive whether non-inferior DFS1 (primary endpoint)
Ejlertsen et al. 2017 (DBCG 07-READ) 2008-2012 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) EC-D Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS60: 88.3% vs 87.9%
(HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.78-1.28)
Nitz et al. 2019 (WSG PlanB) 2009-02 to 2011-12 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) EC-D Non-inferior DFS (primary endpoint)
Fehrenbacher et al. 2019 (NSABP B-47) 2011-2015 Phase 3 (C) 1a. AC-TH
1b. ddAC-TH
1c. TCH 		Did not meet primary endpoint of IDFS
IDFS60: 89.2% vs 89.8%
(HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.80-1.32)

1LMU Success C was designed as a non-inferiority trial but was reported using a superiority design post-hoc analysis.
Note: de Gregorio et al. 2022 was a pooled update and also the first report of LMU Success C.

Biomarker eligibility criteria

  • DBCG 07-READ: TOP2A normal as determined by FISH
  • NSABP B-47: HER2 IHC of 1+ or 2+ with FISH ratio less than 2 or HER2 gene copy number less than 4

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

References

  1. USOR 9735: Jones SE, Savin MA, Holmes FA, O'Shaughnessy JA, Blum JL, Vukelja S, McIntyre KJ, Pippen JE, Bordelon JH, Kirby R, Sandbach J, Hyman WJ, Khandelwal P, Negron AG, Richards DA, Anthony SP, Mennel RG, Boehm KA, Meyer WG, Asmar L. Phase III trial comparing doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide with docetaxel plus cyclophosphamide as adjuvant therapy for operable breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Dec 1;24(34):5381-7. Erratum in: J Clin Oncol. 2007 May 1;25(13):1819. link to original article PubMed
    1. Update: Jones S, Holmes FA, O'Shaughnessy J, Blum JL, Vukelja SJ, McIntyre KJ, Pippen JE, Bordelon JH, Kirby RL, Sandbach J, Hyman WJ, Richards DA, Mennel RG, Boehm KA, Meyer WG, Asmar L, Mackey D, Riedel S, Muss H, Savin MA. Docetaxel with cyclophosphamide is associated with an overall survival benefit compared with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide: 7-year follow-up of US Oncology research trial 9735. J Clin Oncol. 2009 Mar 10;27(8):1177-83. Epub 2009 Feb 9. link to original article PubMed
  2. HORG CT/07.17: Mavroudis D, Matikas A, Malamos N, Papakotoulas P, Kakolyris S, Boukovinas I, Athanasiadis A, Kentepozidis N, Ziras N, Katsaounis P, Saloustros E, Georgoulias V; HORG. Dose-dense FEC followed by docetaxel versus docetaxel plus cyclophosphamide as adjuvant chemotherapy in women with HER2-negative, axillary lymph node-positive early breast cancer: a multicenter randomized study by the Hellenic Oncology Research Group (HORG). Ann Oncol. 2016 Oct;27(10):1873-8. Epub 2016 Aug 8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01985724
  3. USOR 06-090: Blum JL, Flynn PJ, Yothers G, Asmar L, Geyer CE Jr, Jacobs SA, Robert NJ, Hopkins JO, O'Shaughnessy JA, Dang CT, Gómez HL, Fehrenbacher L, Vukelja SJ, Lyss AP, Paul D, Brufsky AM, Jeong JH, Colangelo LH, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Jones SE, Wolmark N. Anthracyclines in early breast cancer: The ABC trials-USOR 06-090, NSABP B-46-I/USOR 07132, and NSABP B-49 (NRG Oncology). J Clin Oncol. 2017 Aug 10;35(23):2647-2655. Epub 2017 Apr 11. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00493870
    1. Pooled update: Geyer CE Jr, Blum JL, Yothers G, Asmar L, Flynn PJ, Robert NJ, Hopkins JO, O'Shaughnessy JA, Rastogi P, Puhalla SL, Hilton CJ, Dang CT, Gómez HL, Vukelja SJ, Lyss AP, Paul D, Brufsky AM, Colangelo LH, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Long-Term Follow-Up of the Anthracyclines in Early Breast Cancer Trials (USOR 06-090, NSABP B-46-I/USOR 07132, and NSABP B-49 [NRG Oncology]). J Clin Oncol. 2024 Apr 20;42(12):1344-1349. Epub 2024 Feb 9. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  4. NSABP-46-I/USOR 07132: Blum JL, Flynn PJ, Yothers G, Asmar L, Geyer CE Jr, Jacobs SA, Robert NJ, Hopkins JO, O'Shaughnessy JA, Dang CT, Gómez HL, Fehrenbacher L, Vukelja SJ, Lyss AP, Paul D, Brufsky AM, Jeong JH, Colangelo LH, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Jones SE, Wolmark N. Anthracyclines in early breast cancer: The ABC trials-USOR 06-090, NSABP B-46-I/USOR 07132, and NSABP B-49 (NRG Oncology). J Clin Oncol. 2017 Aug 10;35(23):2647-2655. Epub 2017 Apr 11. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00887536
    1. Pooled update: Geyer CE Jr, Blum JL, Yothers G, Asmar L, Flynn PJ, Robert NJ, Hopkins JO, O'Shaughnessy JA, Rastogi P, Puhalla SL, Hilton CJ, Dang CT, Gómez HL, Vukelja SJ, Lyss AP, Paul D, Brufsky AM, Colangelo LH, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Long-Term Follow-Up of the Anthracyclines in Early Breast Cancer Trials (USOR 06-090, NSABP B-46-I/USOR 07132, and NSABP B-49 [NRG Oncology]). J Clin Oncol. 2024 Apr 20;42(12):1344-1349. Epub 2024 Feb 9. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  5. NSABP B-49: Blum JL, Flynn PJ, Yothers G, Asmar L, Geyer CE Jr, Jacobs SA, Robert NJ, Hopkins JO, O'Shaughnessy JA, Dang CT, Gómez HL, Fehrenbacher L, Vukelja SJ, Lyss AP, Paul D, Brufsky AM, Jeong JH, Colangelo LH, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Jones SE, Wolmark N. Anthracyclines in early breast cancer: The ABC trials-USOR 06-090, NSABP B-46-I/USOR 07132, and NSABP B-49 (NRG Oncology). J Clin Oncol. 2017 Aug 10;35(23):2647-2655. Epub 2017 Apr 11. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01547741
    1. Pooled update: Geyer CE Jr, Blum JL, Yothers G, Asmar L, Flynn PJ, Robert NJ, Hopkins JO, O'Shaughnessy JA, Rastogi P, Puhalla SL, Hilton CJ, Dang CT, Gómez HL, Vukelja SJ, Lyss AP, Paul D, Brufsky AM, Colangelo LH, Swain SM, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Long-Term Follow-Up of the Anthracyclines in Early Breast Cancer Trials (USOR 06-090, NSABP B-46-I/USOR 07132, and NSABP B-49 [NRG Oncology]). J Clin Oncol. 2024 Apr 20;42(12):1344-1349. Epub 2024 Feb 9. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  6. DBCG 07-READ: Ejlertsen B, Tuxen MK, Jakobsen EH, Jensen MB, Knoop AS, Højris I, Ewertz M, Balslev E, Danø H, Vestlev PM, Kenholm J, Nielsen DL, Bechmann T, Andersson M, Cold S, Nielsen HM, Maae E, Carlsen D, Mouridsen HT. Adjuvant cyclophosphamide and docetaxel with or without epirubicin for early TOP2A-normal breast cancer: DBCG 07-READ, an open-label, phase III, randomized trial. J Clin Oncol. 2017 Aug 10;35(23):2639-2646. Epub 2017 Jun 29. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00689156
  7. TAILORx: Sparano JA, Gray RJ, Makower DF, Pritchard KI, Albain KS, Hayes DF, Geyer CE Jr, Dees EC, Goetz MP, Olson JA Jr, Lively T, Badve SS, Saphner TJ, Wagner LI, Whelan TJ, Ellis MJ, Paik S, Wood WC, Ravdin PM, Keane MM, Gomez Moreno HL, Reddy PS, Goggins TF, Mayer IA, Brufsky AM, Toppmeyer DL, Kaklamani VG, Berenberg JL, Abrams J, Sledge GW Jr. Adjuvant chemotherapy guided by a 21-gene expression assay in breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018 Jul 12;379(2):111-121. Epub 2018 Jun 3. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in supplement have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00310180
  8. WSG PlanB: Nitz U, Gluz O, Clemens M, Malter W, Reimer T, Nuding B, Aktas B, Stefek A, Pollmanns A, Lorenz-Salehi F, Uleer C, Krabisch P, Kuemmel S, Liedtke C, Shak S, Wuerstlein R, Christgen M, Kates RE, Kreipe HH, Harbeck N; West German Study Group. West German Study PlanB trial: adjuvant four cycles of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide plus docetaxel versus six cycles of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide in HER2-negative early breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2019 Apr 1;37(10):799-808. Epub 2019 Feb 20. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01049425
    1. Pooled update: de Gregorio A, Janni W, Friedl TWP, Nitz U, Rack B, Schneeweiss A, Kates R, Fehm T, Kreipe H, Christgen M, Kuemmel S, Trapp E, Wuerstlein R, Hartkopf A, Clemens M, Reimer T, Haberle L, Fasching PA, Gluz O, Harbeck N. The impact of anthracyclines in intermediate and high-risk HER2-negative early breast cancer-a pooled analysis of the randomised clinical trials PlanB and SUCCESS C. Br J Cancer. 2022 Jun;126(12):1715-1724. Epub 2022 Feb 22. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  9. NSABP B-47: Fehrenbacher L, Cecchini RS, Geyer CE Jr, Rastogi P, Costantino JP, Atkins JN, Crown JP, Polikoff J, Boileau JF, Provencher L, Stokoe C, Moore TD, Robidoux A, Flynn PJ, Borges VF, Albain KS, Swain SM, Paik S, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. NSABP B-47/NRG Oncology Phase III Randomized Trial Comparing Adjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Trastuzumab in High-Risk Invasive Breast Cancer Negative for HER2 by FISH and With IHC 1+ or 2. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Feb 10;38(5):444-453. Epub 2019 Dec 10. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01275677
  10. LMU Success C: de Gregorio A, Janni W, Friedl TWP, Nitz U, Rack B, Schneeweiss A, Kates R, Fehm T, Kreipe H, Christgen M, Kuemmel S, Trapp E, Wuerstlein R, Hartkopf A, Clemens M, Reimer T, Haberle L, Fasching PA, Gluz O, Harbeck N. The impact of anthracyclines in intermediate and high-risk HER2-negative early breast cancer-a pooled analysis of the randomised clinical trials PlanB and SUCCESS C. Br J Cancer. 2022 Jun;126(12):1715-1724. Epub 2022 Feb 22. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00847444
  11. ASTER 70s: NCT01564056


Dose-dense Cyclophosphamide & Doxorubicin (ddAC)

ddAC: dose-dense Adriamycin (Doxorubicin) and Cyclophosphamide

Regimen variant #1, 60/600 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Shulman et al. 2012 (CALGB 40101) 2002-2008 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) 1. ddAC x 6 Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
2. ddT x 4 Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
3. ddT x 6 Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
Sparano et al. 2018 (TAILORx) 2006-2010 Phase 3 (C) No chemotherapy Non-inferior IDFS (primary endpoint)

Note: CALGB 40101 originally specified 21-day cycles but was amended to 14-day cycles after results of CALGB 9741 were available.

Eligibility criteria

  • TAILORx: Oncotype DX score of 11 to 25

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

Supportive therapy

  • (varies depending on reference):
  • CALGB 40101: one of the following:
    • Filgrastim (Neupogen) 5 mcg/kg (rounded to 300 mcg or 480 mcg, whichever is closer) SC once per day on days 3 to 10; may be discontinued before day 10 if ANC has recovered to an "acceptable range, as determined by the treating physician"
    • Sargramostim (Leukine) 250 to 500 mcg/m2 SC once per day on days 3 to 10; may be discontinued before day 10 if ANC has recovered to an "acceptable range, as determined by the treating physician"
    • Pegfilgrastim (Neulasta) 6 mg SC once, given 24 to 36 hours after chemotherapy

14-day cycle for 4 cycles


Regimen variant #2, 60/600 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
van Rossum et al. 2018 (MATADOR) 2004-2012 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) TAC Did not meet secondary endpoints of RFS/OS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

Supportive therapy

14-day cycle for 6 cycles

References

  1. CALGB 40101: Shulman LN, Cirrincione CT, Berry DA, Becker HP, Perez EA, O'Regan R, Martino S, Atkins JN, Mayer E, Schneider CJ, Kimmick G, Norton L, Muss H, Winer EP, Hudis C. Six cycles of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide or paclitaxel are not superior to four cycles as adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer in women with zero to three positive axillary nodes: Cancer and Leukemia Group B 40101. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Nov 20;30(33):4071-6. Epub 2012 Jul 23. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to study protocol PDF link to PMC article PubMed NCT00041119
    1. Update: Shulman LN, Berry DA, Cirrincione CT, Becker HP, Perez EA, O'Regan R, Martino S, Shapiro CL, Schneider CJ, Kimmick G, Burstein HJ, Norton L, Muss H, Hudis CA, Winer EP. Comparison of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide versus single-agent paclitaxel as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer in women with 0 to 3 positive axillary nodes: CALGB 40101 (Alliance). J Clin Oncol. 2014 Aug 1;32(22):2311-7. Epub 2014 Jun 16. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed
  2. TAILORx: Sparano JA, Gray RJ, Makower DF, Pritchard KI, Albain KS, Hayes DF, Geyer CE Jr, Dees EC, Goetz MP, Olson JA Jr, Lively T, Badve SS, Saphner TJ, Wagner LI, Whelan TJ, Ellis MJ, Paik S, Wood WC, Ravdin PM, Keane MM, Gomez Moreno HL, Reddy PS, Goggins TF, Mayer IA, Brufsky AM, Toppmeyer DL, Kaklamani VG, Berenberg JL, Abrams J, Sledge GW Jr. Adjuvant chemotherapy guided by a 21-gene expression assay in breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018 Jul 12;379(2):111-121. Epub 2018 Jun 3. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in supplement have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00310180
  3. MATADOR: van Rossum AGJ, Kok M, van Werkhoven E, Opdam M, Mandjes IAM, van Leeuwen-Stok AE, van Tinteren H, Imholz ALT, Portielje JEA, Bos MMEM, van Bochove A, Wesseling J, Rutgers EJ, Linn SC, Oosterkamp HM; MATADOR Trialists' Group. Adjuvant dose-dense doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide versus docetaxel-doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide for high-risk breast cancer: first results of the randomised MATADOR trial (BOOG 2004-04). Eur J Cancer. 2018 Oct;102:40-48. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed ISRCTN61893718


Cyclophosphamide & Epirubicin (EC)

EC: Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide

Regimen variant #1, 60/500 x 8

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Piccart et al. 2001 (Belgian trial) 1988-1996 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) 1. CMF Did not meet primary endpoint of EFS
2. EC; high-dose Seems to have inferior EFS (primary endpoint)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 8 cycles


Regimen variant #2, 75/600 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Pico et al. 2004 (GEICAM 9401) 1995-2000 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) ECT (Tamoxifen) Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS60

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #3, 100/830 x 8

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Piccart et al. 2001 (Belgian trial) 1988-1996 Phase 3 (E-esc) 1. CMF Did not meet primary endpoint of EFS
2. EC; moderate-dose Seems to have superior EFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 8 cycles


Regimen variant #4, 120/600 x 4 (high-dose)

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Papaldo et al. 2003 1991-1994 Phase 3 (C) EC & Lonidamine Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS60
Vici et al. 2011 (GOIM 9902) 1999-2005 Phase 3 (C) D-EC Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS60
DFS60: 73.4% vs 73.4%
(HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.76-1.33)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

References

  1. Belgian trial: Piccart MJ, Di Leo A, Beauduin M, Vindevoghel A, Michel J, Focan C, Tagnon A, Ries F, Gobert P, Finet C, Closon-Dejardin MT, Dufrane JP, Kerger J, Liebens F, Beauvois S, Bartholomeus S, Dolci S, Lobelle JP, Paesmans M, Nogaret JM. Phase III trial comparing two dose levels of epirubicin combined with cyclophosphamide with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil in node-positive breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2001 Jun 15;19(12):3103-10. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: de Azambuja E, Paesmans M, Beauduin M, Vindevoghel A, Cornez N, Finet C, Ries F, Closon-Dejardin MT, Kerger J, Gobert P, Focan C, Tagnon A, Dolci S, Nogaret JM, di Leo A, Piccart-Gebhart MJ. Long-term benefit of high-dose epirubicin in adjuvant chemotherapy for node-positive breast cancer: 15-year efficacy results of the Belgian multicentre study. J Clin Oncol. 2009 Feb 10;27(5):720-5. Epub 2008 Dec 22. link to original article PubMed
  2. Papaldo P, Lopez M, Cortesi E, Cammilluzzi E, Antimi M, Terzoli E, Lepidini G, Vici P, Barone C, Ferretti G, Di Cosimo S, Nistico C, Carlini P, Conti F, Di Lauro L, Botti C, Vitucci C, Fabi A, Giannarelli D, Marolla P. Addition of either lonidamine or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor does not improve survival in early breast cancer patients treated with high-dose epirubicin and cyclophosphamide. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Sep 15;21(18):3462-8. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  3. GEICAM 9401: Pico C, Martin M, Jara C, Barnadas A, Pelegri A, Balil A, Camps C, Frau A, Rodriguez-Lescure A, Lopez-Vega JM, De La Haba J, Tres A, Alvarez I, Alba E, Arcusa A, Oltra A, Batista N, Checa T, Perez-Carrion R, Curto J; GEICAM. Epirubicin-cyclophosphamide adjuvant chemotherapy plus tamoxifen administered concurrently versus sequentially: randomized phase III trial in postmenopausal node-positive breast cancer patients: a GEICAM 9401 study. Ann Oncol. 2004 Jan;15(1):79-87. link to original article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  4. GOIM 9902: Vici P, Brandi M, Giotta F, Foggi P, Schittulli F, Di Lauro L, Gebbia N, Massidda B, Filippelli G, Giannarelli D, Di Benedetto A, Mottolese M, Colucci G, Lopez M. A multicenter phase III prospective randomized trial of high-dose epirubicin in combination with cyclophosphamide (EC) versus docetaxel followed by EC in node-positive breast cancer: GOIM (Gruppo Oncologico Italia Meridionale) 9902 study. Ann Oncol. 2012 May;23(5):1121-9. Epub 2011 Sep 28. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in abstract have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  5. GIM2: Del Mastro L, De Placido S, Bruzzi P, De Laurentiis M, Boni C, Cavazzini G, Durando A, Turletti A, Nisticò C, Valle E, Garrone O, Puglisi F, Montemurro F, Barni S, Ardizzoni A, Gamucci T, Colantuoni G, Giuliano M, Gravina A, Papaldo P, Bighin C, Bisagni G, Forestieri V, Cognetti F; Gruppo Italiano Mammella. Fluorouracil and dose-dense chemotherapy in adjuvant treatment of patients with early-stage breast cancer: an open-label, 2 x 2 factorial, randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2015 May 9;385(9980):1863-72. Epub 2015 Mar 2. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00433420
    1. Update: Del Mastro L, Poggio F, Blondeaux E, De Placido S, Giuliano M, Forestieri V, De Laurentiis M, Gravina A, Bisagni G, Rimanti A, Turletti A, Nisticò C, Vaccaro A, Cognetti F, Fabi A, Gasparro S, Garrone O, Alicicco MG, Urracci Y, Mansutti M, Poletti P, Correale P, Bighin C, Puglisi F, Montemurro F, Colantuoni G, Lambertini M, Boni L; Gruppo Italiano Mammella Investigators. Fluorouracil and dose-dense adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with early-stage breast cancer (GIM2): end-of-study results from a randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2022 Dec;23(12):1571-1582. Epub 2022 Nov 10. link to original article PubMed


Docetaxel monotherapy

D: Docetaxel
T: Taxotere (Docetaxel)
dT: doceTaxel

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Bear et al. 2003 (NSABP B-27) 1995-2000 Phase 3 (E-esc) See link See link

Note: this is a component of a sequential treatment protocol; to our knowledge there are no references to support using it as a stand-alone treatment.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

References

  1. NSABP B-27: Bear HD, Anderson S, Brown A, Smith R, Mamounas EP, Fisher B, Margolese R, Theoret H, Soran A, Wickerham DL, Wolmark N; National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project. The effect on tumor response of adding sequential preoperative docetaxel to preoperative doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide: preliminary results from National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocol B-27. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Nov 15;21(22):4165-74. Epub 2003 Oct 14. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00002707
    1. Update: Bear HD, Anderson S, Smith RE, Geyer CE Jr, Mamounas EP, Fisher B, Brown AM, Robidoux A, Margolese R, Kahlenberg MS, Paik S, Soran A, Wickerham DL, Wolmark N. Sequential preoperative or postoperative docetaxel added to preoperative doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide for operable breast cancer: National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocol B-27. J Clin Oncol. 2006 May 1;24(13):2019-27. Epub 2006 Apr 10. link to original article PubMed
    2. Pooled update: Rastogi P, Anderson SJ, Bear HD, Geyer CE, Kahlenberg MS, Robidoux A, Margolese RG, Hoehn JL, Vogel VG, Dakhil SR, Tamkus D, King KM, Pajon ER, Wright MJ, Robert J, Paik S, Mamounas EP, Wolmark N. Preoperative chemotherapy: updates of National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Protocols B-18 and B-27. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Feb 10;26(5):778-85. Erratum in: J Clin Oncol. 2008 Jun 1;26(16):2793. link to original article PubMed
  2. NSAS BC-02: Watanabe T, Kuranami M, Inoue K, Masuda N, Aogi K, Ohno S, Iwata H, Mukai H, Uemura Y, Ohashi Y. Comparison of an AC-taxane versus AC-free regimen and paclitaxel versus docetaxel in patients with lymph node-positive breast cancer: final results of the National Surgical Adjuvant Study of Breast Cancer 02 trial, a randomized comparative phase 3 study. Cancer. 2017 Mar 1;123(5):759-768. Epub 2017 Jan 12. link to original article link to PMC article PubMed


Epirubicin & Paclitaxel (EP)

EP: Epirubicin & Paclitaxel

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Yuan et al. 2023 (CH-BC-006) 2010-06-01 to 2016-06-30 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) EC-P Non-inferior DFS (primary endpoint)
DFS60: 86% vs 80.6%
(HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.61-1.10)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

References

  1. CH-BC-006: Yuan P, Kang Y, Ma F, Fan Y, Wang J, Wang X, Yue J, Luo Y, Zhang P, Li Q, Xu B. Effect of Epirubicin Plus Paclitaxel vs Epirubicin and Cyclophosphamide Followed by Paclitaxel on Disease-Free Survival Among Patients With Operable ERBB2-Negative and Lymph Node-Positive Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 Feb 1;6(2):e230122. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT01134523


Epirubicin monotherapy

E: Epirubicin

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Coombes et al. 2011 (DEVA) 1997-2005 Phase 3 (C) E-D Inferior OS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles

References

  1. DEVA: Coombes RC, Bliss JM, Espie M, Erdkamp F, Wals J, Tres A, Marty M, Coleman RE, Tubiana-Mathieu N, den Boer MO, Wardley A, Kilburn LS, Cooper D, Thomas MW, Reise JA, Wilkinson K, Hupperets P. Randomized, phase III trial of sequential epirubicin and docetaxel versus epirubicin alone in postmenopausal patients with node-positive breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Aug 20;29(24):3247-54. Epub 2011 Jul 18. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed ISRCTN89772270


Dose-dense Epirubicin monotherapy

ddE: dose-dense Epirubicin

Regimen

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence
Fountzilas et al. 2014 (HE10/05) 2005-2008 Non-randomized part of phase 3 RCT

Note: this is a component of a sequential treatment protocol; to our knowledge there are no references to support using it as a stand-alone treatment.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

14-day cycle for 3 cycles

Subsequent treatment

  • CMF; intensified

References

  1. HE10/05: Fountzilas G, Dafni U, Papadimitriou C, Timotheadou E, Gogas H, Eleftheraki AG, Xanthakis I, Christodoulou C, Koutras A, Papandreou CN, Papakostas P, Miliaras S, Markopoulos C, Dimitrakakis C, Korantzopoulos P, Karanikiotis C, Bafaloukos D, Kosmidis P, Samantas E, Varthalitis I, Pavlidis N, Pectasides D, Dimopoulos MA. Dose-dense sequential adjuvant chemotherapy followed, as indicated, by trastuzumab for one year in patients with early breast cancer: first report at 5-year median follow-up of a Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group randomized phase III trial. BMC Cancer. 2014 Jul 15;14:515. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed


FAC

FAC: Fluorouracil, Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), Cyclophosphamide
CAF: Cyclophosphamide, Adriamycin (Doxorubicin), Fluorouracil

Regimen variant #1, 500/40/500 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence
Tokuda et al. 2007 (JCOG 9208) 1993-1999 Non-randomized part of phase 3 RCT

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #2, 500/50/500 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Martin et al. 2003 (GEICAM 8701) 1987-1991 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) CMF Might have superior DFS
Martin et al. 2005 (BCIRG 001) 1997-1999 Phase 3 (C) TAC Inferior OS
Martín et al. 2010 (GEICAM 9805) 1999-2003 Phase 3 (C) TAC Inferior DFS
Martín et al. 2013 (GEICAM 2003-02) 2003-2008 Phase 3 (C) FAC-T Seems to have inferior DFS
Delaloge et al. 2020 (MINDACT) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) TX Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS60: 88.8% vs 90.7%
(HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.87-1.67)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

Infusion times per Martin et al. 2005 (BCIRG 001).

  • Fluorouracil (5-FU) 500 mg/m2 IV over 15 minutes once on day 1, given second
  • Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) 50 mg/m2 IV over 15 minutes once on day 1, given first
  • Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) 500 mg/m2 IV over 1 to 5 minutes once on day 1, given third
    • A HemOnc.org user reached out to us and said their institutional practice is to infuse cyclophosphamide over 20 to 30 minutes to decrease the likelihood of head and sinus pain.

Supportive therapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #3, 500/50/500 until max anthracycline

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Hurteloup 1988 (FESG) 1982-1984 Phase 3 (C) FEC Did not meet endpoint of OS50%

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for up to 11 cycles (maximum cumulative doxorubicin dose of 550 mg/m2)


Regimen variant #4, 800/40/400 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Wood et al. 1994 (CALGB 8541) 1985 to not reported Phase 3 (E-de-esc) 1. FAC; 600/30/300 x 4 Superior OS
2. FAC; 1200/60/600 x 4 Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #5, 800/40/400 until max doxorubicin

Historic variant
Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Buzdar et al. 1984 1977-1980 Phase 3 (C) FAC + BCG Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycles until cumulative doxorubicin dose of 300 mg/m2 reached.

Subsequent treatment

  • After reaching cumulative maximum doxorubicin, patients would go on to receive: maintenance CMF. This is now obsolete.

Regimen variant #6, 1000/50/500 x 8

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence
Hortobagyi et al. 2000 1990-1997 Non-randomized part of RCT

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 8 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #7, 1000/60/1400 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Davidson et al. 2005 (ECOG E5188) 1989-1994 Non-randomized part of phase 3 RCT
Hutchins et al. 2005 (INT-0102) 1989-1993 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) CMF Seems to have superior OS
Albain et al. 2009 (SWOG-8814) 1989-1995 Phase 3 (E-esc) See link See link
Tallman et al. 2003 (INT-0121) 1991-1998 Non-randomized part of RCT

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment


Regimen variant #8, 1200/60/600 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Wood et al. 1994 (CALGB 8541) 1985 to not reported Phase 3 (C) 1. FAC; 600/30/300 x 4 Superior OS
2. FAC; 800/40/400 x 6 Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 4 cycles


Regimen variant #9, 1200/60/600 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Delaloge et al. 2020 (MINDACT) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) TX Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS60: 88.8% vs 90.7%
(HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.87-1.67)

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #10, 2000/50/100 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Scholl et al. 1994 (S6) 1986-1990 Phase 3 (C) Neoadjuvant FAC Seems to have inferior OS

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 4 cycles

References

  1. Buzdar AU, Blumenschein GR, Smith TL, Powell KC, Hortobagyi GN, Yap HY, Schell FC, Barnes BC, Ames FC, Martin RG, Hersh EM. Adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide, with or without Bacillus Calmette-Guérin and with or without irradiation in operable breast cancer: a prospective randomized trial. Cancer. 1984 Feb 1;53(3):384-9. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Buzdar AU, Kau SW, Smith TL, Hortobagyi GN. Ten-year results of FAC adjuvant chemotherapy trial in breast cancer. Am J Clin Oncol. 1989 Apr;12(2):123-8. link to original article PubMed
  2. FESG: Hurteloup P; French Epirubicin Study Group. A prospective randomized phase III trial comparing combination chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil, and either doxorubicin or epirubicin. J Clin Oncol. 1988 Apr;6(4):679-88. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  3. CALGB 8541: Wood WC, Budman DR, Korzun AH, Cooper MR, Younger J, Hart RD, Moore A, Ellerton JA, Norton L, Ferree CR, Colangelo Ballow A, Frei E, Henderson IC. Dose and dose intensity of adjuvant chemotherapy for stage II, node-positive breast carcinoma. N Engl J Med. 1994 May 5;330(18):1253-9. Erratum in: N Engl J Med 1994 Jul 14;331(2):139. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Subgroup analysis: Muss HB, Thor AD, Berry DA, Kute T, Liu ET, Koerner F, Cirrincione CT, Budman DR, Wood WC, Barcos M, Henderson IC. c-erbB-2 expression and response to adjuvant therapy in women with node-positive early breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 1994 May 5;330(18):1260-6. Erratum in: N Engl J Med 1994 Jul 21;331(3):211. link to original article PubMed
  4. S6: Scholl SM, Fourquet A, Asselain B, Pierga JY, Vilcoq JR, Durand JC, Dorval T, Palangié T, Jouve M, Beuzeboc P, Garcio-Giralt E, Salmon RJ, de la Rochefordiere A, Campana F, Pouillart P. Neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemotherapy in premenopausal patients with tumours considered too large for breast conserving surgery: preliminary results of a randomised trial: S6. Eur J Cancer. 1994;30A(5):645-52. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  5. Hortobagyi GN, Buzdar AU, Theriault RL, Valero V, Frye D, Booser DJ, Holmes FA, Giralt S, Khouri I, Andersson B, Gajewski JL, Rondon G, Smith TL, Singletary SE, Ames FC, Sneige N, Strom EA, McNeese MD, Deisseroth AB, Champlin RE. Randomized trial of high-dose chemotherapy and blood cell autografts for high-risk primary breast carcinoma. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2000 Feb 2;92(3):225-33. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  6. GEICAM 8701: Martin M, Villar A, Sole-Calvo A, Gonzalez R, Massuti B, Lizon J, Camps C, Carrato A, Casado A, Candel MT, Albanell J, Aranda J, Munarriz B, Campbell J, Diaz-Rubio E; GEICAM. Doxorubicin in combination with fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide (iv FAC regimen, day 1, 21) versus methotrexate in combination with fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide (iv CMF regimen, day 1, 21) as adjuvant chemotherapy for operable breast cancer: a study by the GEICAM group. Ann Oncol. 2003 Jun;14(6):833-42. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  7. INT-0121: Tallman MS, Gray R, Robert NJ, LeMaistre CF, Osborne CK, Vaughan WP, Gradishar WJ, Pisansky TM, Fetting J, Paietta E, Lazarus HM. Conventional adjuvant chemotherapy with or without high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem-cell transplantation in high-risk breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2003 Jul 3;349(1):17-26. link to original article PubMed
  8. BCIRG 001: Martín M, Pienkowski T, Mackey J, Pawlicki M, Guastalla JP, Weaver C, Tomiak E, Al-Tweigeri T, Chap L, Juhos E, Guevin R, Howell A, Fornander T, Hainsworth J, Coleman R, Vinholes J, Modiano M, Pinter T, Tang SC, Colwell B, Prady C, Provencher L, Walde D, Rodriguez-Lescure A, Hugh J, Loret C, Rupin M, Blitz S, Jacobs P, Murawsky M, Riva A, Vogel C; Breast Cancer International Research Group. Adjuvant docetaxel for node-positive breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2005 Jun 2;352(22):2302-13. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00688740
    1. Update: Mackey JR, Martín M, Pienkowski T, Rolski J, Guastalla JP, Sami A, Glaspy J, Juhos E, Wardley A, Fornander T, Hainsworth J, Coleman R, Modiano MR, Vinholes J, Pinter T, Rodríguez-Lescure A, Colwell B, Whitlock P, Provencher L, Laing K, Walde D, Price C, Hugh JC, Childs BH, Bassi K, Lindsay MA, Wilson V, Rupin M, Houé V, Vogel C; TRIO/BCIRG 001 investigators. Adjuvant docetaxel, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide in node-positive breast cancer: 10-year follow-up of the phase 3 randomised BCIRG 001 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2013 Jan;14(1):72-80. Epub 2012 Dec 12. link to original article PubMed
  9. ECOG E5188: Davidson NE, O'Neill AM, Vukov AM, Osborne CK, Martino S, White DR, Abeloff MD. Chemoendocrine therapy for premenopausal women with axillary lymph node-positive, steroid hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: results from INT 0101 (E5188). J Clin Oncol. 2005 Sep 1;23(25):5973-82. Epub 2005 Aug 8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  10. INT-0102: Hutchins LF, Green SJ, Ravdin PM, Lew D, Martino S, Abeloff M, Lyss AP, Allred C, Rivkin SE, Osborne CK. Randomized, controlled trial of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil versus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil with and without tamoxifen for high-risk, node-negative breast cancer: treatment results of intergroup protocol INT-0102. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Nov 20;23(33):8313-21. link to original article PubMed
  11. JCOG 9208: Tokuda Y, Tajima T, Narabayashi M, Takeyama K, Watanabe T, Fukutomi T, Chou T, Sano M, Igarashi T, Sasaki Y, Ogura M, Miura S, Okamoto S, Ogita M, Kasai M, Kobayashi T, Fukuda H, Takashima S, Tobinai K; Autologous Bone Marrow Transplantation Study Group; Breast Cancer Study Group of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG). Phase III study to evaluate the use of high-dose chemotherapy as consolidation of treatment for high-risk postoperative breast cancer: Japan Clinical Oncology Group study, JCOG 9208. Cancer Sci. 2008 Jan;99(1):145-51. Epub 2007 Oct 25. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed
  12. SWOG-8814: Albain KS, Barlow WE, Ravdin PM, Farrar WB, Burton GV, Ketchel SJ, Cobau CD, Levine EG, Ingle JN, Pritchard KI, Lichter AS, Schneider DJ, Abeloff MD, Henderson IC, Muss HB, Green SJ, Lew D, Livingston RB, Martino S, Osborne CK; Breast Cancer Intergroup of North America. Adjuvant chemotherapy and timing of tamoxifen in postmenopausal patients with endocrine-responsive, node-positive breast cancer: a phase 3, open-label, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2009 Dec 19;374(9707):2055-2063. Epub 2009 Dec 10. link to original article link to PMC article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00929591
  13. GEICAM 9805: Martín M, Seguí MA, Antón A, Ruiz A, Ramos M, Adrover E, Aranda I, Rodríguez-Lescure A, Grosse R, Calvo L, Barnadas A, Isla D, Martinez del Prado P, Ruiz Borrego M, Zaluski J, Arcusa A, Muñoz M, López Vega JM, Mel JR, Munarriz B, Llorca C, Jara C, Alba E, Florián J, Li J, López García-Asenjo JA, Sáez A, Rios MJ, Almenar S, Peiró G, Lluch A; GEICAM. Adjuvant docetaxel for high-risk, node-negative breast cancer. N Engl J Med. 2010 Dec 2;363(23):2200-10. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00121992
  14. GEICAM 2003-02: Martín M, Ruiz A, Ruiz Borrego M, Barnadas A, González S, Calvo L, Margelí Vila M, Antón A, Rodríguez-Lescure A, Seguí-Palmer MA, Muñoz-Mateu M, Dorca Ribugent J, López-Vega JM, Jara C, Espinosa E, Mendiola Fernández C, Andrés R, Ribelles N, Plazaola A, Sánchez-Rovira P, Salvador Bofill J, Crespo C, Carabantes FJ, Servitja S, Chacón JI, Rodríguez CA, Hernando B, Álvarez I, Carrasco E, Lluch A. Fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) versus FAC followed by weekly paclitaxel as adjuvant therapy for high-risk, node-negative breast cancer: results from the GEICAM/2003-02 study. J Clin Oncol. 2013 Jul 10;31(20):2593-9. Epub 2013 Jun 3. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed NCT00129389
  15. MINDACT: Delaloge S, Piccart M, Rutgers E, Litière S, van 't Veer LJ, van den Berkmortel F, Brain E, Dudek-Peric A, Gil-Gil M, Gomez P, Hilbers FS, Khalil Z, Knox S, Kuemmel S, Kunz G, Lesur A, Pierga JY, Ravdin P, Rubio IT, Saghatchian M, Smilde TJ, Thompson AM, Viale G, Zoppoli G, Vuylsteke P, Tryfonidis K, Poncet C, Bogaerts J, Cardoso F; MINDACT investigators and the TRANSBIG Consortium. Standard Anthracycline Based Versus Docetaxel-Capecitabine in Early High Clinical and/or Genomic Risk Breast Cancer in the EORTC 10041/BIG 3-04 MINDACT Phase III Trial. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Apr 10;38(11):1186-1197. Epub 2020 Feb 21. link to original article dosing details in supplement have been reviewed by our editors link to PMC article PubMed NCT00433589


FEC

FEC: Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, Cyclophosphamide
CEF: Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin, Fluorouracil

Regimen variant #1, 500/50/500 x 6 ("FEC 50")

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Fumoleau et al. 2003 (FASG 01) 1986-1990 Phase 3 (C) 1. FEC; FEC 50 x 3 Might have superior OS
2. FEC; FEC 75 x 3 Did not meet primary endpoint of OS120
Héry et al. 2006 (FASG 03) 1988-1994 Phase 3 (E-esc) Observation Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS120
Arriagada et al. 2005 1989-1996 Phase 3 (E-esc) Observation Superior DFS
Bonneterre 2001 (FASG 05) 1990-1993 Phase 3 (C) FEC; FEC 100 x 6 Inferior OS
Roché et al. 2006 (FASG 06) 1990-1998 Phase 3 (C) Goserelin & Tamoxifen x 3y Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS60
Sparano et al. 2018 (TAILORx) 2006-2010 Phase 3 (C) No chemotherapy Non-inferior IDFS (primary endpoint)

Note: This was the lower bound of epirubicin dosing for TAILORx.

Eligibility criteria

  • TAILORx: Oncotype DX score of 11 to 25

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #2, 500/50/500 until max anthracycline

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Hurteloup 1988 (FESG) 1982-1984 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) FAC Did not meet endpoint of OS50%

Note: While this was a negative study, this arm was better tolerated in the treated population and this study likely established the popularity of epirubicin-based regimens in Europe.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for up to 15 cycles (maximum cumulative epirubicin dose of 720 mg/m2)


Regimen variant #3, 500/60/500 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Rouëssé et al. 2006 1994-1999 Phase 3 (C) FNC & RT Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles


Regimen variant #4, 500/90/500 x 5

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Rodenhuis et al. 2003 (Dutch National Study) 1993-1999 Phase 3 (C) FEC x 4, then CTCb with auto HSCT Did not meet primary endpoint of OS1

1Reported efficacy for the Dutch National Study is based on the 2020 update.
Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 5 cycles


Regimen variant #5, 500/100/500 x 4 ("FEC 100")

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Kerbrat et al. 2017 (UCBG-0106) 2002-2006 Phase 3 (E-de-esc) FEC; FEC 100 x 6 Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS60

Note: This was an experimental arm that did not meet its primary endpoint; included here because it represents a de-escalation strategy.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles


Regimen variant #6, 500/100/500 x 6 ("FEC 100")

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Bonneterre 2001 (FASG 05) 1990-1993 Phase 3 (E-RT-esc) FEC; FEC 50 x 6 Superior OS
Kerbrat et al. 2007 (FASG 09) 1993-1998 Phase 3 (C) VE Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
Roché et al. 2006 (FNCLCC PACS 01) 1997-2000 Phase 3 (C) FEC-D Inferior OS1
Delbaldo et al. 2013 (Trial B2000) 2000-2002 Phase 3 (C) FEC-P Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
Nitz et al. 2014 (WSG-AGO EC-Doc) 2000-2005 Phase 3 (C) EC-D Seems to have inferior OS
Spielmann et al. 2009 (FNCLCC PACS 04) 2001-2004 Phase 3 (C) ED Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS2
Kerbrat et al. 2017 (UCBG-0106) 2002-2006 Phase 3 (C) FEC; FEC 100 x 4 Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS60
Geyer et al. 2022 (NSABP B-36) 2004-05-20 to 2008-07-25 Phase 3 (E-esc) AC x 4 Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS9y: 79.4% vs 80.1%
(HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.92-1.29)
Sakr et al. 2013 2006-2010 Phase 3 (C) FEC-D Seems to have inferior OS
Sparano et al. 2018 (TAILORx) 2006-2010 Phase 3 (C) No chemotherapy Non-inferior IDFS (primary endpoint)
Delaloge et al. 2020 (MINDACT) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) TX Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS60: 88.8% vs 90.7%
(HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.87-1.67)

1Reported efficacy for FNCLCC PACS 01 is based on the 2012 update.
2Reported efficacy for FNCLCC PACS 04 is based on the 2019 update.
Note: This was the upper bound of epirubicin dosing in TAILORx.

Eligibility criteria

  • TAILORx: Oncotype DX score of 11 to 25

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #7, 600/50/600 x 8

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Coombes et al. 1996 1984-1992 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) CMF Did not meet co-primary endpoints of RFS/OS
Coombes et al. 2016 (HMFEC) 1992-2000 Phase 3 (C) FEC; FEC 75 Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Note: This was an experimental arm that did not meet its primary endpoint; included here because other variants of this regimen have demonstrated comparative superiority.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 8 cycles


Regimen variant #8, 600/60/600 x 4

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
van der Hage et al. 2001 (EORTC 10902) 1991-1999 Phase 3 (C) FEC; neoadjuvant Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 4 cycles


Regimen variant #9, 600/60/600 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Venturini et al. 2005 (MIG-1) 1992-1997 Phase 3 (C) ddFEC Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Sirohi et al. 2010 (TRAFIC) 1995-2002 Phase 3 (C) ECisF Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
del Mastro et al. 2015 (GONO-MIG5) 1996-2001 Phase 3 (C) EP x 4 Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #10, 600/60/600 x 8

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Ellis et al. 2009 (TACT) 2001-2003 Phase 3 (C) FEC-D Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 8 cycles


Regimen variant #11, 600/60/600 x 9

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Ejlertsen et al. 2007 (DBCG 89D) 1990-1998 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) CMF Superior OS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 9 cycles


Regimen variant #12, 600/90/600 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Martín et al. 2008 (GEICAM 9906) 1999-2002 Phase 3 (C) FEC-P Inferior DFS60

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #13, 700/75/700 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Polyzos et al. 2009 1995-2004 Phase 3 (C) D-EC Seems to have inferior DFS60

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #14, 1000/50/500 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Paradiso et al. 2001 1989-1994 Phase 3 (E-esc) Observation Seems to have superior DFS

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy


Regimen variant #15, 1000/120/740 x 6 ("Canadian CEF (IV)")

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Delaloge et al. 2020 (MINDACT) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) TX Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS60: 88.8% vs 90.7%
(HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.87-1.67)

Note: To our knowledge, this regimen variant was not tested as an experimental arm in an RCT in this context, prior to becoming a standard comparator arm.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #16, 1000/120/1050 x 6 ("FEC 120"; "Canadian CEF")

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Levine et al. 1998 (NCIC-CTG MA.5) 1989-1993 Phase 3 (E-RT-switch-ic) CMF Superior RFS
Coombes et al. 2005 (ICCG HDT trial) 1993-2001 Phase 3 (C) FEC x 3, then HDT Did not meet co-primary endpoints of RFS/EFS/OS
Burnell et al. 2009 (NCIC-CTG MA.21) 2000-2005 Phase 3 (C) 1. AC-T Superior RFS (primary endpoint)
RFS36: 90.1% vs 85%
(HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50-0.89)
2. ddEC-T Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS
Janni et al. 2016 (ADEBAR) 2001-2005 Phase 3 (C) EC-D Did not meet primary endpoint of TTP
Delaloge et al. 2020 (MINDACT) 2007-2011 Phase 3 (C) TX Did not meet primary endpoint of DFS
DFS60: 88.8% vs 90.7%
(HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.87-1.67)

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles


Regimen variant #17, 1200/50/1200 x 6

Study Dates of enrollment Evidence Comparator Comparative Efficacy
Coombes et al. 1996 1984-1992 Phase 3 (E-switch-ic) CMF Did not meet co-primary endpoints of RFS/OS

Note: This was an experimental arm that did not meet its primary endpoint; however, based on a subgroup analysis, it became a preferred regimen.

Preceding treatment

Chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 6 cycles

References

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  2. Coombes RC, Bliss JM, Wils J, Morvan F, Espié M, Amadori D, Gambrosier P, Richards M, Aapro M, Villar-Grimalt A, McArdle C, Pérez-López FR, Vassilopoulos P, Ferreira EP, Chilvers CE, Coombes G, Woods EM, Marty M; International Collaborative Cancer Group. Adjuvant cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil versus fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in premenopausal women with axillary node-positive operable breast cancer: results of a randomized trial. J Clin Oncol. 1996 Jan;14(1):35-45. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
  3. NCIC-CTG MA.5: Levine MN, Bramwell VH, Pritchard KI, Norris BD, Shepherd LE, Abu-Zahra H, Findlay B, Warr D, Bowman D, Myles J, Arnold A, Vandenberg T, MacKenzie R, Robert J, Ottaway J, Burnell M, Williams CK, Tu D; National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group. Randomized trial of intensive cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil chemotherapy compared with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil in premenopausal women with node-positive breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1998 Aug;16(8):2651-8. link to original article dosing details in manuscript have been reviewed by our editors PubMed
    1. Update: Levine MN, Pritchard KI, Bramwell VH, Shepherd LE, Tu D, Paul N; National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group. Randomized trial comparing cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil in premenopausal women with node-positive breast cancer: update of National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group Trial MA5. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Aug 1;23(22):5166-70. link to original article