A phase II trial of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin in advanced breast cancer.

Twenty-five patients (19 premenopausal women, 5 postmenopausal women, and 1 male) with advanced breast cancer were treated with a combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin (CAP) at 3- to 4-week intervals. The median age of patients was 39 years (range 28-60). Twelve patients received treatment as first-line, and 13 as second-line, therapy. Of the 13 (52%) patients who responded, seven (28%) had complete response (CR). The median disease-free survival (DFS) was 6+ months. The response rate was highest for metastases in the pleura (80%), followed by liver (71%) and lymph nodes (62%). The overall response rate (83% versus 23%, p less than 0.01) was higher in previously untreated than in previously treated patients. Complete response rates of 50% and 8% and median DFS of 8.5+ months and 2 months, respectively, were observed in the two groups of patients. Severe anemia occurred more frequently in previously treated patients. The present study suggests a role for cisplatin combination chemotherapy as first-line therapy in the management of advanced breast cancer.