Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among the women. Chemotherapy is an integral part of the treatment and is associated with the improved survival. Most commonly used regimen is Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide followed by Taxane (AC-T). AC chemoregimen carries significant risk of febrile neutropenia and hence primary prophylaxis with growth factors is recommended which increases the cost of the treatment. The aim of the study is to identify the incidence of febrile neutropenia following AC chemoregimen without primary prophylaxis.
We retrospectively analyzed the case records of the localized breast cancer patients who were treated with AC chemoregimen without primary prophylaxis for febrile neutropenia.
Between 2013 and 2017, a total of 231 cases received AC chemoregimen. A total of 14 (6%) patients were found to have febrile neutropenia. All patients were recovered by day 16 and no deaths were observed. Except for ECOG performance status no significant association was found with age, co-morbidities, menopausal status, body surface area and stage of the cancer. Source of infection could not be identified in any of the patients. There were no delays in treatment because of febrile neutropenia.
The incidence of febrile neutropenia is less in Indian patients. Breast cancer patients receiving AC chemoregimen can be managed without primary prophylaxis in resource limited setting.
Stalin Bala.
Has not received any funding.
The author has declared no conflicts of interest.