(carboplatin and taxol) adjuvant for metaplastic BC

Is there any good statistical evidence for Carboplatin and taxol being successful,used weekly for several weeks after mastectomy with large metaplastic tumor. Any information would be most appreciataed.
Thanks

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Taxol and Carboplatin, to the extent of my present knowledge, has limited data regarding the adjuvant treatment of breast cancer from any variant.  The most common regimens used in clinical trials made use of Cyclophosphamide + Adriamycin given for 4 cycles, then followed by Taxol.  However, this may be a protocol developed by that specific cancer center and they may have within their center, a good clinical experience with that specific regimen.  Also, this regimen may be ideal for patients with pre-existing heart conditions which cannot receive Adriamycin based regimens.  I suggest you ask the center regarding their experience with the regimen.

Regards and God bless.

[suenosde2013]

I think it depends on what the type of cancer is mixed with the carcinoma to make it metaplastic.  In my case it is chondrosarcoma, so after the AC chemo, we are going to do Taxotere  and Gemzar.  

Mine is hormone negative and P63 negative which means hormone treatment won't help.

Have you asked your doctor why he recommends that particular combination?  Although there isn't a lot of definitive information on how to treat the non-carcinoma part, my oncologist had very good reasons for what he was recommending, which gave me a lot of confidence.

Good luck,

Suenos

[sandy23]

Thank you very much for your reply.

Its my sister with the metaplastic carcinoma and hers is also hormone negative and p63 negative. Her mass was 8cm . Her mammogram did not show anything in June07 and she found the tumor in Oct07 .. It was 4cm when she found it .The doctor thought it would go away after a FNB but it kept growing and he got blood out in December..Still convinced it wasn't anything to worry about he didn't send it for testing. After 3 FNBs he had it tested in Feb08 . It showed cancer but could not identify it . After a core biopsy she was diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma. Then she went to a breast center and they did another core biopsy and diagnosed her with metaplastic carcinoma with sarcomatous componants .By then it measured 6cm so they were going to try A/C to try to shrink it but 2 weeks after her first treatment it had grown to 8cm. They were afraid to wait any longer so they decided to do a mastectomy and change the chemo to the Carboplatin and Taxol. They had done one study with it that they thought was pretty good I guess but I was hoping I could hear of more studies from other places.

From What I understand this kind of cancer is being studied more now . Hopefully they will find more solutions soon. I will continue to research and learn as much as I can. If I find anything new and promising I will let you know. I am glad that your doctor has some good reasons for using the chemotherapy he is giving you. I will have my sister inquire about this kind because it seems that you and her have simular types.

Thanks again
Sandy

[sandy23]

Thank you so much for the information you have given me . The Breast center my sister goes to had done a study on Carboplatin and Taxol but I was just hoping to hear of more studies. I so much appreciate your time and help.

May God bless you
Sandy