Anthracyclines: what does one do?

vickie h · 11-13-2007, 10:27 AM

HI Grace, You bring up a very important subject. I had to stop and think about whether I had that test done, I never did the AC as was suggested by Stanford, but not by UCLA. I wonder if that was the reason. I see my Onc on the 29th of this month and will ask her. And here I thought I was being so pro active......
Happy Thanksgiving to you, dear sister, Love, Vickie

suzan w · 11-13-2007, 11:49 AM

I wonder if it matters as to what type of breast cancer one has...when I made the decision to do A/C, it was based on my oncotype results and the fact that I had invasive lobular carcinoma-which, according to my research and backed up by my oncologist, has a higher chance of recurrance. There are just so many variables, eh??!! I did have a TERRIBLE time with the A/C and only had 4 treatments instead of the originally prescribed 6...and at the time I was going through it I seriously questioned if I was doing the right thing!

Hopeful · 11-13-2007, 12:01 PM

Grace,

I believe there was a thread on this board a month or so ago about the fact that anthracyclines were not beneficial to Her2-, ER+ patients, as well. I feel the same as you do, I am not a medical professional, but I also do not want to see people subjected to unnecessary toxicity. I would favor mentioning the research with the caveat that the person should take a copy of it to their doctor and get the doctor's opinion, or also a second opinion, before proceeding with treatment.

Hopeful

mimiflower07 · 11-13-2007, 12:37 PM

sooo glad that this is the topic. i'm struggling on what to do. I see the onc tomorrow for the first time. after reading about the group of a/c not sure thats the combo i would want.

please share more of your thoughts. Here's my situation once again
bilat mast, tumor 2.5 cm with satellite nodes in rt breast. clr margins, neg nodes, no lymph vascular invol seen. Bone, ct scan and back xray neg(except arthritic changes) 42 yrs old. Any suggestions? Do you think a/c is what they'll suggest? I will no more info tommorow when bld work back..ie fish...etc

Is it possible that taxol and herceptin would be enough?
suzanne

Brenda_D · 11-13-2007, 01:54 PM

I was not tested for TOPO II, and did get A/C last year. But I feel that it was the right thing for me, as my IDC was aggressive and fast growing (KI 67- 70%). I did and still do have concerns about heart damage and complications later on, but for now I am NED, afaik, and that's given me the will to keep fighting. I can't say whether it was the A/C, the rads, the Herceptin, the prayers! , or all of the above, but something got rid of the BC in my IM node and I am thrilled that I am living right now. I will deal with the future a day at a time, and not regret any treatments, or decisions by me or my doctors.

ckeesling · 11-13-2007, 01:59 PM

When I was diagnosed one year ago, the Cancer Conference in Texas had not concluded. My onc wanted to wait and see what they determined was the benefit, if any ,to include or not include AC. It was determined by my onc, that the benefit of Taxotere w/Carbo and Herceptin was the same as with the AC, but a reduced chance of heart issues. So we chose the TCH only, with heart ultra's every 3 months. Luckily I haven't had any negative effects.

Good luck with what you choose as your best defense!!!
Cat

11-13-2007, 02:49 PM

Suzan,

I can only tell you what I did prior to treatment. Before my first visit with oncologist--I already knew my pathology--I did extensive research on various chemos, treatments, including herceptin, to understand what I was likely to be offered. I wanted to know all the benefits and the disadvantages of each treatment. I had determined during my research that I wanted only herceptin. My oncologist agreed with that conclusion, but when my tumor markers were elevated I changed my mind and decided on chemo: taxol and carboplatin. Again, my oncologist agreed. I have a long history of heart disease in my family and my research lead me to conclude that I did not want any type of anthracycline, in particular adriamycin, as my reserch indicated that they were very hard on the heart, particularly when coupled with herceptin.

In the sixteen months since my original research, additional papers have been published (check Lani's posts as she posts most of the research on this site) on the dangers and benefits of anthracyclines--apparently the benefit is small to women with primary breast cancer, but you should check this out yourself. Recent research also suggests that taxol is of particular benefit to women with HER2 cancers, but again please check this out for yourself.

I suppose I would say be prepared with lots of questions when your treatment options are presented to you. Ask why a particular chemo (or why not) and what benefit it provides to you in particular, based on your pathology. Also ask how recent the research is for the treatment being suggested. It's very important, I think, to be active in your own treatment.

I'm comfortable with the decisions I made although I might not have made the same decisions if I were deciding today. I'm particularly happy that I did herceptin for a year. Good luck in whatever you decide.