doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide + docetaxel

The combination of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and docetaxel—commonly referred to as the TAC regimen—is a chemotherapy protocol primarily used for the adjuvant treatment of node-positive and high-risk node-negative early breast cancer. Each drug in this combination has a distinct mechanism of action: - Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic that intercalates DNA, inhibiting topoisomerase II and generating free radicals, leading to DNA damage and apoptosis in cancer cells. - Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent that crosslinks DNA strands, preventing cell division and resulting in cell death. - Docetaxel is a taxane that stabilizes microtubules against depolymerization, disrupting mitotic spindle function during cell division and causing apoptosis. This multi-agent approach exploits different mechanisms to maximize cytotoxicity against rapidly dividing tumor cells while minimizing resistance. The regimen is administered intravenously every 21 days for up to six cycles[1][2][3][8]. All three drugs are FDA-approved for use in various cancers; their combination (TAC) has regulatory approval specifically for breast cancer adjuvant therapy[2][8].

Brand names

TAC

Other names

doxorubicin hydrochloride + cyclophosphamide + docetaxelTAC regimen