cyclophosphamide + docetaxel + epirubicin + trastuzumab

This is a combination chemotherapy and targeted therapy regimen consisting of four agents: - **Cyclophosphamide** (an alkylating agent), - **Docetaxel** (a taxane-class microtubule inhibitor), - **Epirubicin** (an anthracycline antibiotic that intercalates DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II), and - **Trastuzumab** (a monoclonal antibody targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, HER2). This combination is used primarily in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, often as part of neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. The regimen leverages multiple mechanisms to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, disrupt DNA replication/repair, and specifically target HER2-overexpressing cancer cells. Trastuzumab provides targeted immunotherapy by binding to the extracellular domain of HER2, inhibiting downstream signaling pathways involved in cell growth and survival[3][5]. Cyclophosphamide causes cross-linking of DNA strands; docetaxel stabilizes microtubules preventing mitosis; epirubicin intercalates into DNA disrupting replication.

Brand names

EllenceCytoxanTaxotereHerceptin

Other names

EC-DH regimenDECT regimen