Effect of weekly docetaxel in patients with recurrent breast cancer

A pilot trial was conducted to assess the tolerability and efficacy of a regimen with weekly docetaxel (TXT) in patients with metastatic breast cancer. The chemotherapy regimen consisted of a 30-minute weekly intravenous infusion of docetaxel (22-33 mg/m2/wk). Each 8-week cycle included 6 weekly treatments, followed by two weeks of rest. Thirteen patients were treated. All patients were evaluable for response: 0 CR (0%), 7 PR (53.8%), 3 NC (23.1%), 3 PD (23.1%). These results are almost the same as those with the administration of TXT (60 mg/m2) q3 wks. Toxicities observed were mild (< or = grade 2) and reversible, and included fatigue, nausea, neutropenia, and alopecia. This preliminary experience suggests a high level of clinical activity and excellent tolerability of the chemotherapy regimen at the given dose and schedule in patients with metastatic breast cancer.