[A case of metastatic breast cancer successfully treated with weekly low-dose epirubicin (EPI), cyclophosphamide (CPA), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and medroxyprogesterone (MPA)].

We reported a case of successful treatment of disseminated breast cancer with epirubicin (EPI), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and medroxyprogesterone (MPA). The patient was a 49-year-old female with bone and liver metastasis developed 5 years after surgery. The primary tumor was ER-positive, and she had been treated previously with adjuvant therapy using UFT and tamoxifen. The treatment consisted of 3 cycles of thrice-weekly EPI (40mg), 5-FU (500mg) and CPA (500mg). The patient was then treated with a weekly schedule of EPI (10mg), 5-FU (50mg/day), CPA (50mg/day) and MPA (400mg/day). After 2 years, her bone and liver metastasis showed remarkable remission (PR). No side effects of this chemotherapy were observed. In the search for palliative treatments which have a minimal impact on normal lifestyle, low toxicity is important. PR was continued for 2 years, and the patient enjoyed a favorable quality of life. This low dose-weekly approach was very well tolerated, yet was effective.