Combination chemotherapy with oral etoposide plus intravenous cyclophosphamide in liver metastases of breast cancer

Am J Clin Oncol. 1990 Apr;13(2):98-100. doi: 10.1097/00000421-199004000-00002.

Abstract

Sixteen patients with hepatic metastases of histologically documented breast cancer were treated with etoposide (VP 16-213) and cyclophosphamide. Previously, 6 had shown relapse in the liver after adjuvant chemotherapy, 2 had failed to respond to another chemotherapy combination, and 8 had never undergone chemotherapy. Fifty percent responded to treatment, including 1 complete remission and 7 partial responses. Median survival was 16 months and median duration of response was 13 months. All patients showed alopecia and moderate leukopenia; 13 experienced moderate gastrointestinal toxicity; there was 1 mild case of anemia and 1 case of moderate hemorrhagic cystitis. This study suggests that the combination of VP 16-213 and cyclophosphamide is a well-tolerated and effective treatment in advanced breast cancer patients with liver metastases.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Drug Synergism
  • Etoposide / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Middle Aged
  • Remission Induction

Substances

  • Etoposide
  • Cyclophosphamide