Substituting Doxorubicin with Nonpegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin for the Treatment of Early Breast Cancer: Results of a Retrospective Study

Introduction. Evidence from the metastatic setting suggests that replacing conventional doxorubicin with nonpegylated liposomal doxorubicin (NPLD) for early breast cancer may maintain efficacy whilst reducing long-term cardiotoxicity, an important consideration with many patients going on to receive multiple lines of treatment. Methods. Consecutive patients with early breast cancer treated with NPLD were assessed for disease progression and changes in cardiac function according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Results. Ninety-seven patients (median age at diagnosis 51 (32–76) years) were studied. The majority received NPLD (60 mg/m(2) plus cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m(2)) adjuvantly (79.4%) and in sequence with a taxane (79.4%; docetaxel 75 mg/m(2)). 80.4% had radiotherapy and 15.5% received trastuzumab. Mean time to disease recurrence was 87.0 months (80.7–93.2 [95% confidence interval]) and 5-year disease-free survival was 86.0%. Mean LVEF values remained within the normal range of ≥55% during treatment and throughout the cardiac follow-up period (median 7 months, range 1–21 months). Use of trastuzumab and age at diagnosis did not appear to influence LVEF. Conclusion. NPLD appeared to be a well-tolerated substitute for conventional doxorubicin in patients with early breast cancer.