[Jackie07]

"... at the time of analysis, not a single patient had died as a result of heart failure. Indeed, the 1% numeric difference in overall survival between the arms, translating to approximately 10 patients and favoring ACTH, clearly suggests that the toxicities of ACTH did not compromise the overall survival of patients in that arm and that a survival advantage remains within the realm of possibility for patients treated with anthracyclines. "

I'd had FEC in 2003 and did some research on anthrocyclines at the time since 'E'pirubicin belongs to that class. It carries the risk of damages to the heart, but it also destroys cancer cells in a certain manner that it brings up survival rate.

There are certain features of the cancer cells that help determine which chemo combo will be more beneficial. This article did not go into details - but I've read from other sources and know that my doctors had made their recommendation based on clinical evidence.

My 2nd Brother (10 years my senior) chose to have (optional) chemo (5-Fu) in 2007 after his colon was removed. He's been doing fine. Mother had needed some persuasion on her chemotherapy for NHL in 1998. She' also been doing well.

Ask your doctors about the features of your cancer cells. Ask them whether or not you will benefit from anthracyclines. 1% sounds tiny, but it's huge if you happen to be one of them!