RESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can remarkably decrease tumor size and stage, and improve the efficacy of comprehensive treatment on breast carcinoma. This study was to investigate the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FEC and TEC regimen on breast cancer. METHODS: From April 1998 to April 2004, 112 breast cancer patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Among them, 77 were treated with FEC regimen and 35 with TEC regimen for 2-3 cycles before operation. Simultaneously, 105 breast cancer patients who only received postoperative chemotherapy were regarded as control. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 10-107 months (median, 61.4 months). After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 31 patients (27.7%) had clinical complete remission, and the total response rate was 79.5%. The 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates were significantly higher in neoadjuvant chemotherapy group than in control group (67.2% vs. 49.4%, chi(2)=4.092, P=0.043; 84.7% vs. 69.1%, chi(2)=4.034, P=0.045). CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FEC and TEC regimens is an effective treatment for operable breast cancers, and can prolong the long-term survival and disease-free survival after operation.