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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
CMF or ACT?
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
CMF or ACT?
by jackie49, Sep 02, 2004 12:00AM
I had lump. 3 weeks ago. 1.4cm, erpr- and node negative. Dr. wants to use ACT.Since node negative, I am concerned this treatment may be more harsh that I need. I know there is no evidence that Taxol helps node negative.Would treament with CMF be better treatment because of less harsh side effects? Am I more predisposed for future reoccurence bec. of erpr-? If so does the chemo help with the predisposition? It appears that chemo helps wipe out anything currently floating around but does not help with predisposition. If my bigger risk is with predisposition and chemo does not help with that, wouldn't a less harsher treatment be better? Thanks for this service. It is wonderful!
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Sep 02, 2004 12:00AM
Dear Jackie49: AC or AC+T has nearly replaced CMF as the standard of care for cancers requiring chemotherapy. CMF is still used in elderly, frail, or people with a significant heart problem. The benefit of chemotherapy will depend upon your age and relative risk of recurrence. ER/PR negative tumors do not do as well as ER/PR positive tumors. You should consider a thorough discussion with your oncologist about the risks and benefits of chemotherapy as it pertains specifically to your situation. Another option is to seek a second opinion, preferably with an oncologist who specializes in breast cancer.
