A randomized study comparing oral and standard regimens for metastatic breast cancer

We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing oral regimen [doxiflur idine, an intermediate metabolite of capecitabine, + medroxyprogesterone ac etate (MPA) + cyclophosphamide (CPA)] (Method A) with a standard regimen (5 -fluorouracil + adriamycin + CPA) plus MPA (Method B) as first line chemoth erapy for metastatic breast cancer. Overall response rate was 55.8% for Met hod A, 46.3% for Method B. The total ratio of responder and long stable dis ease was significantly higher with Method A (p=0.006). Median time to progr ession and survival were not differences between Methods. Incidence of toxi city was 56.3% with Method A and 80.0% with Method B (p=0.014). Oral regime n is more useful than standard therapy.