The use of Xeloda and Taxotere as a combo in the treatment of breast cancer.

There is an article in the May 2001 issue of the MAMM Breast Cancer magazine written by Joyce O'Shaughnessy, MD co-director of breast cncer research at Baylor-Sammons Cancer Center and US Oncology in Houston on the use of Xeloda and Taxotere as a combination in the treatment of women with metastatic breast cancer previously treated with Adriamycin. Taxoteere increases the amount of TP in the breast tumor and the combination of Xeloda and Taxotere proved to have very satisfactory results.

Do you know if it is possible to have this combination prescribed at the present time or is it just in clinical trial now?

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Minniejane:  In a limited search, I was unable to locate any clinical trials using the combination of taxotere and xeloda.  Because both of these drugs are approved for use, it is theoretically possible to be treated with this combination, if your doctor is willing.  To strengthen your case, it might be helpful to find the original source of the research you saw in MAMM.  If it has been published in a refereed medical journal, sharing a reprint with your physician would help him/her determine if this regimen would be appropriate for your situation.