Doxorubicin in advanced breast cancer: influence of schedule on response, survival and quality of life

Abstract

The influence of scheduling of doxorubicin on response, survival and quality of life was assessed in a randomised trial in patients with advanced breast cancer, none of whom had previously received cytotoxic chemotherapy for advanced disease. 28 patients received 75 mg/m2 doxorubicin every 3 weeks for four courses (arm 1) and 31 patients received 25 mg/m2 weekly for 12 courses (arm 2). Response rates and median time to progression were similar in the two arms and median survival was 8 months in both arms. However, amongst patients receiving treatment every 3 weeks, psychological distress measured using the Rotterdam symptom checklist fell significantly over the course; no such change was observed in those treated weekly. Physical symptoms related to cancer improved during treatment similarly for both groups.