Conventional versus reverse sequence of neoadjuvant epirubicin/cyclophosphamide and docetaxel: sequencing results from ABCSG-34

Br J Cancer. 2021 May;124(11):1795-1802. doi: 10.1038/s41416-021-01284-2. Epub 2021 Mar 24.

Abstract

Background: Preoperative chemotherapy containing anthracyclines and taxanes is well established in early-stage breast cancer. Previous studies have suggested that the chemotherapy sequence may matter but definitive evidence is missing. ABCSG trial 34 evaluated the activity of the MUC1 vaccine tecemotide when added to neoadjuvant treatment; the study provided the opportunity for the second randomisation to compare two different anthracycline/taxane sequences.

Methods: HER2-negative early-stage breast cancer patients were recruited to this randomised multicentre Phase 2 study. Patients in the chemotherapy cohort (n = 311) were additionally randomised to a conventional or reversed sequence of epirubicin/cyclophosphamide and docetaxel. Residual cancer burden (RCB) with/without tecemotide was defined as primary study endpoint; RCB in the two chemotherapy groups was a key secondary endpoint.

Results: No significant differences in terms of RCB 0/I (40.1% vs. 37.2%; P = 0.61) or pathologic complete response (pCR) rates (24.3% vs. 25%, P = 0.89) were observed between conventional or reverse chemotherapy sequence. No new safety signals were reported, and upfront docetaxel did not result in decreased rates of treatment delay or discontinuation.

Conclusion: Upfront docetaxel did not improve chemotherapy activity or tolerability; these results suggest that upfront neoadjuvant treatment with anthracyclines remains a valid option.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Cancer Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Cyclophosphamide / adverse effects
  • Docetaxel / administration & dosage
  • Docetaxel / adverse effects
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Epirubicin / administration & dosage
  • Epirubicin / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / administration & dosage*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy / methods
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Neoplasm, Residual
  • Tumor Burden

Substances

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • L-BLP25
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Docetaxel
  • Epirubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide