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Taxol Improves Survival in Advanced Breast Cancer
Women with metastatic breast cancer have better survival rates and fewer side
effects when treated with Taxol (paclitaxel), instead of a standard chemotherapy
combination of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and prednisone
(CMFP), according to a study conducted at the Sydney Cancer Center in Sydney,
Australia. In women receiving each regimen as first-line treatment for advanced
cancer, two-year survival was 20 percent in the CMFP group versus 39 percent
in the Taxol group. The Taxol group also had fewer side effects, primarily
hair loss, nerve symptoms, and joint and muscle pains. The CMFP group suffered
nausea and vomiting, loss of white blood cells and platelets, and other symptoms.
Bishop JF, Dewar J, Toner GC, et al. Initial paclitaxel
improves outcome compared with CMFP combination chemotherapy
as front-line therapy in untreated metastatic breast cancer.
J Clin Oncol. 1999;17:2355.

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