A Pilot Trial of Sequential Chemotherapy With Antimetabolite Induction, High-Dose Alkylating Agent Consolidation With Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cell Support, and Intensification With Paclitaxel and Doxorubicin for Patients With High-Risk Breast Cancer

Stage III patients may begin therapy prior to or following surgery. Patients with undrainable significant third space fluid collection (e.g., pleural effusions, ascites) are entered directly on Consolidation. Patients receive induction chemotherapy with methotrexate and fluorouracil every 2 weeks for 4 courses. Patients then receive two 3-week courses of consolidation therapy with cyclophosphamide, followed by daily granulocyte colony-stimulating factor until completion of leukapheresis. Patients next receive myeloablative doses of thiotepa followed by stem cell rescue and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. After hematopoietic reconstitution, patients receive 24-hour infusions of paclitaxel every 3 weeks for 4 doses, followed by doxorubicin or vinblastine every 3 weeks for 4 doses. Patients are then evaluated for additional therapy (surgery, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapy) as appropriate. Patients are followed every 3 months for 1 year, then every 6 months.