What types of chemotherapy are available for breast cancer?
There are various single agents and combinations of drugs that work against breast cancer cells. The most commonly used drugs are: Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Methotrexate, 5 fluorouracil (5 Fu), Adriamycin (doxorubicin), Taxol (paclitaxel) and Taxotere (docetaxel). Frequently used combinations are: AC – Adriamycin, Cytoxan CMF – Cytoxan, Methotrexate, 5 fluorouracil More recently, the taxanes – Taxol, or Taxotere, are being used especially when a patient has a large number of positve lymph nodes or her cancer is resistant to Adriamycin. New regimens being developed are incorporating Taxol or Taxotere, with Adriamycin. For metastatic breast cancer other agents are also used such as: mitomycin-C, vinblastine (Velban), and its analog, Navelbine. Single agents (one drug alone instead of a combination) are often given to patients who have metastatic disease for the purpose of palliation ( relieving some symptoms even though a cure may not be possible).
