Randomized study testing as adjuvant chemotherapy the same primary (neoadjuvant) epirubicin/vinorelbine (EN) regimen versus docetaxel (TXT) in inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)

590 Background: The multimodal approach of IBC resulted in improved survival but the IBC still remains the most aggressive form of breast cancer. The endpoints of the study were to a) evaluate the efficacy and safety of primary chemotherapy (EN), b) evaluate a better chemotherapy sequence (primary and adjuvant), and c) analyze the predictive value and changes of some biomarkers (ER, PR, Ki67 and HER2 status) in IBC. Methods: From 4/2002 to 10/2007, 56 patients with IBC entered the study. The molecular markers were obtained from tumor specimens before chemotherapy by biopsy and surgery after. After diagnosis the pts were randomized to the following sequence: EN (E 120 mg/m2 d 1 plus N 25 mg/m2 d 1 & 8) x 4 cycles -> surgery or radiotherapy -> adjuvant TXT (100 mg/m2) x 4 cycles (Group A) or EN x 4 cycles (Group B), all regimens q 3 wks. After adjuvant therapy all pts received RT and endocrine therapy in ER/PgR+ tumors. From 6/2006 the pts with HER2+ status also received trastuzumab adjuvant x 1 yr. The cha...