Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and BCG vaccine. A follow-up report

Abstract

Patients (222) with stage II or III breast cancer following regional therapy were treated with a combination of fluorouracil, doxorubicin hydrochloride (adriamycin), cyclophosphamide and BCG vaccine. At 54 months of study (median follow-up, 30 mo.), the estimated proportions remaining disease-free 2 and 3 yr after surgery were 83 and 78%, respectively, in the chemotherapy group and 64 and 55%, respectively, in 151 historical control patients. Estimated 2- and 3 yr survival rates were 93% and 89%, respectively, in the chemotherapy group and 84% and 58%, respectively, in the control patients. Congestive heart failure has developed in 3 patients, possibly related to the use of doxorubicin. Adjuvant chemotherapy with these drugs was effective in prolonging the disease-free interval and survival of patients irrespective of menopausal status, degree of nodal involvement or stage of the disease.