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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
CMF vs. AC
Answered by
Cleveland - OH
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 vs. AC
by nunez67, Aug 06, 2007 02:09PM
I know that CMF is an older chemo regime, and that AC x4 is now the standard of care, but why is that? I've read studies that state their efficacy is equal. What makes an oncologist reject the CMF and order AC instead?
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Aug 06, 2007 03:43PM
, Aug 06, 2007 03:43PM
Four cycles (three months) of "AC" chemotherapy has been shown to be similarly effective to "classical CMF" chemotherapy which is a 6-month long regimen in which chemotherapy is administered twice every 4 weeks along with daily chemotherapy pills for 2 of every 4 weeks. Both regimens are still used, usually in lower risk patients; AC is favored largely because of its shorter duration but has the down side of including the drug doxorubicin (also known as Adriamycin) that can increase the risk for heart problems. Some centers have gotten away from using both the AC combination and CMF for low-risk patients given a recent study demonstrating improved results with the "TC" combination (Taxotere and Cytoxan) over AC which is also 4 cycles over 3 months. Patients at higher risk for recurrence often receive chemotherapy regimens that include Adriamycin, Cytoxan as well as a taxane (Taxol or Taxotere).
Member Comments (2)
by sumanb, Aug 09, 2007 05:40PM
I did not do enough research about CMF. I was debating about AC vs CT but my doctor ended up giving me AC. The chemo is not bad but the hair loss is devastating. I started shedding my hair like anything since last two days. I met a woman at doctor's office who is she in on the 4th round but had all her hair. I just commented about it when she said she is taking CMF. My doctor did not even mentioned CMF. Now that I have completed 2 cycles out of 4 it is too late for me. I thought about CT but I thought T portion is more toxic on nerves. Oh well. I wish doctors take time and explain all the protocols.
