Cytoxan necessary in dose-dense regimen?
Meet the Experts
Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.
Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.
Question from Sprph: How necessary is Cytoxan in the sequential dose-dense regimen?
- Answer —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: Cytoxan (chemical name: cyclophosphamide) is one of the oldest drugs known to be effective against breast cancer. It would probably be going too far, however, to say that this will always be considered necessary.
We have trials in women with negative lymph nodes that are attempting to answer this question. Until we have studies saying that it is OK to skip this drug, I would recommend it as standard of care. If there is a reason that you cannot have this drug, your physician will discuss other options with you. Many women read about Cytoxan and are concerned about the risk of long-term effects. At the doses used in treating breast cancer, however, such long-term effects are very rare.
On Wednesday, February 18, 2004, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Chemotherapy Updates. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about advances in chemotherapy treatment: different types of drugs and regimens, how to reduce or eliminate unpleasant side effects, and more.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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