[Efficacy of combination chemotherapy with mitoxantrone, vincristine, prednisolone (MVP) for recurrence of breast cancer].

Fourteen patients with recurrent breast cancer were treated with a combination of mitoxantrone (10 mg/m2 iv, day 1), vincristine (1 mg/m2 iv, day 1) and prednisolone (30 mg/day day 1-7). Cycles were repeated every 4 weeks and all patients received more than 3 cycles. The objective response rate was 70.0% (7 of 10). In two patients, the treatment has been continued now for more than one year. In these 2 patients, the duration of response is more than 40 weeks. The toxicity was primarily myelosuppression. Five of 14 patients (35.7%) had leukopenia of Grade 3 and 4. These patients received G-CSF therapy and recovered well from leukopenia. Nausea and vomiting were well tolerated, probably by prednisolone. This regimen was especially superior in the maintenance of quality of life because hair loss was much less compared to CAF (cyclophosphamide, ADM, 5-fluorouracil) treatment. In conclusion, MVP treatment is highly effective and safe for the treatment of recurrent breast cancer.