Phase II study of neoadjuvant gemcitabine (GC), pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (DX) and docetaxel (TT) in locally advanced breast cancer

606 Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is currently the standard of care for the management of locally advanced breast cancer, as it improves both disease-free and overall survival. Methods: Patients with histologic confirmation of locally advanced breast cancer, age >18 years, left ventricular ejection fraction >50%, good performance status and adequate bone marrow, negative chest and abdominal CT scan, renal and hepatic function were included in the study. Prior systemic therapy and radiotherapy and the presence of metastases were not allowed. The treatment schedule was as follows: GC: 1,250 mg/m2 (day 1); GC 1,000 mg/m2 plus TT 75 mg/m2 plus DX 30 mg/m2 (day 8). Pegfilgrastim was routinely administered as primary prophylaxis against febrile neutropenia. Courses were repeated each 21 days for 4–6 cycles. This study was aimed to assess the activity of GC, DX and TT in locally advanced breast cancer. Results: Fifty patients were enrolled and treated. Median age was 51 years (range: 34–73), 27 (54%) bein...