Cyclophosphamide + Doxorubicin + Fluorouracil + Fluoxymesterone + Tamoxifen

The combination of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), fluorouracil, fluoxymesterone (Halotestin), and tamoxifen is a chemohormonal therapy regimen that has been studied for treating metastatic breast cancer. This specific combination is known as "CAFTH" (CAF plus tamoxifen and Halotestin). This regimen combines three chemotherapy agents (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil) with two hormonal therapies (tamoxifen and fluoxymesterone). The chemotherapy portion is known as CAF or FAC, while the addition of the hormonal agents creates the complete CAFTH regimen. The chemotherapy components work through different mechanisms: - Cyclophosphamide stops cancer cells from reproducing - Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) stops DNA production and interferes with DNA repair enzymes - Fluorouracil (5-FU) stops cells from making and repairing DNA, causing cell death during division The hormonal components work through: - Tamoxifen - an estrogen receptor modulator - Fluoxymesterone (Halotestin) - an androgenic hormone Side effects can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores (mucositis), hair loss, heart problems, low blood counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets), fatigue, menopausal symptoms, increased risk of infection, and thromboembolic events. Rare but serious side effects may include increased risk of leukemia and heart failure. This specific five-drug combination represents an intensive approach to treating breast cancer that combines both cytotoxic chemotherapy and hormonal manipulation strategies.

Other names

CAF plus tamoxifen and Halotestin