cyclophosphamide + epirubicin + fluorouracil + nab-paclitaxel

This is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of four agents: - Cyclophosphamide (an alkylating agent) - Epirubicin (an anthracycline antibiotic) - Fluorouracil (also known as 5-FU, an antimetabolite) - Nab-paclitaxel (nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel, a taxane microtubule inhibitor) The regimen is primarily used as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, including HER2-positive and triple-negative subtypes. The typical protocol involves sequential administration—nab-paclitaxel is given first to exploit its efficacy and safety profile, followed by the FEC combination. This approach aims to maximize tumor response rates before surgery. Mechanistically: - Cyclophosphamide crosslinks DNA leading to apoptosis. - Epirubicin intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II. - Fluorouracil inhibits thymidylate synthase disrupting DNA synthesis. - Nab-paclitaxel stabilizes microtubules preventing cell division. This combination has demonstrated significant pathological complete response rates in clinical trials for advanced or high-risk early breast cancer[2][5]. Toxicities include neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy but are generally manageable with supportive care.

Brand names

Abraxane

Other names

FEC-nab-paclitaxelnab-PTX plus FEC