[Taxotere as second-line for metastatic breast cancer].

INTRODUCTION

Due its palliative effects, chemotherapy for breast cancer has two main objectives: disease control for as long as possible and optimal quality of life. Standard first-line treatment includes currently combination regimens with anthracyclines. What is the impact of docetaxel (Taxotere) now available for treatment in case of failure of anthracycline-based regimens?

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS: Preliminary results of randomized phase III trials suggest higher levels of efficacy with docetaxel than those observed with other drugs used so far. Docetaxel toxicity is moderate. Its main side-effects are neutropenia and alopecia. The incidence of the peculiar docetaxel-related fluid retention syndrome has been shown to be delayed by prophylactic corticotherapy.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS: Further studies are required to assess the impact of docetaxel in combination regimens as well as for the overall management of breast cancer.