Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Pemetrexed-Based Versus Paclitaxel-Based Chemotherapy as Third-Line Treatment for Patients with Advanced Breast Cancer

摘要

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of pemetrexed-based with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy as third-line treatment for patients with advanced breast cancer. Methods: Between January 2009 and February 2016, 109 patients pathologically confirmed with advanced breast cancer in Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Institute of Cancer Research were enrolled, and divided into group A (treated with pemetrexed-based regimen as third-line chemotherapy) and group B (treated with paclitaxel-based regimen as third-line chemotherapy). Other combined chemotherapeutic agents included lobaplatin (or carboplatin) and epirubicin. Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) was used to evaluate tumor responses. Results: Comparison between group A (52 patients) and group B (57 patients) suggested that the total response rate (19.2% vs. 21.1%) and disease control rate (40.4% vs. 35.1%) were not statistically different (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in group A, such as leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, vomiting, increased alanine transaminase, and rash, was significantly lower than that in group B (P<0.05). Conclusion: Pemetrexed-based chemotherapy is as effective as paclitaxel-based chemotherapy in treating patients with advanced breast cancer, with acceptable adverse events.