Docetaxel and epirubicin plus G-CSF as mobilizing treatment to support high-dose chemotherapy in breast cancer

Background In order to combine an active regimen with a simultaneous effici ent mobilization of peripheral blood precursor cells (PBPC), we explored th e combination of Docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) and Epirubicin 120 mg/m(2) with G-CSF 5 mcg/Kg/day s.c. to mobilize PBPC in breast cancer patients to support hi gh-dose chemotherapy (HDC). Patients and Methods. Forty patients were enrol led: 27 high risk and 13 metastatic. The entire procedure, including chemot herapy and PBPC collection, was on an outpatient basis. Results. The median day of starting apheresis was day +10 (range 10-12) and the average value of circulating CD34+ cells at peak was 175/mul (range 33-403). The median y ield of CD34+ cells per apheresis was 8.76x10(6)/Kg (range 1.83-27.87). Non e of the patients developed side effects which required hospitalization. Al l patients enrolled successively received HDC as consolidation treatment. H igh risk patients received one and metastatic patients two HDC with PBPC re infusion. All patients obtained a complete engraftment. No significant diff erences between high-risk and metastatic patients were observed Conclusions . Our study suggests that the combination of Docetaxel, Epirubicin, and G-C SF is feasible, safe and efficient outpatient mobilizing treatment for pati ents with breast cancel receiving HDC.