Phase II study of oral etoposide for patients with advanced breast cancer

Background. The objective of this study was to define the activity and toxicity of etoposide for patients with previously treated metastatic breast cancer. Methods. Thirty patients with measurable metastatic breast cancer who progressed after prior chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or both, either as adjuvant therapy or for metastatic disease, were enrolled. There were 26 patients evaluable for response and 30 evaluable for toxicity. Treatment consisted of oral etoposide at a dose of 50 mg/m²/day administered for 21 consecutive days. Doses were modified depending on toxicity. Patients were evaluable for response after at least one cycle of therapy. Results. One complete response and four partial responses were observed. The overall objective response rate was 19% (5/26). Six patients had stable disease. Toxicity consisted mainly of Grade 4 neutropenia for 24% and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia for 13% of patients. There was one death due to neutropenic sepsis. Conclusion. Oral etoposide is an effective, easily administered outpatient regimen with minimal toxicities. Etoposide is effective for patients with pretreated metastatic breast cancer.