epirubicin + cyclophosphamide + docetaxel + paclitaxel

This is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of four cytotoxic agents: epirubicin (an anthracycline antibiotic), cyclophosphamide (an alkylating agent), docetaxel, and paclitaxel (both taxanes). These drugs are used in the treatment of breast cancer, particularly as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy. - **Epirubicin** intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, leading to DNA strand breaks and apoptosis. - **Cyclophosphamide** is an alkylating agent that crosslinks DNA strands, inhibiting cell replication. - **Docetaxel** and **paclitaxel** stabilize microtubules by promoting their assembly and preventing depolymerization, thereby inhibiting mitosis. The combination aims to maximize antitumor efficacy by targeting cancer cells through multiple mechanisms of action. This regimen is primarily indicated for breast cancer patients at high risk of recurrence or with locally advanced disease [2][3][4]. The use of both docetaxel and paclitaxel together in one regimen is uncommon; typically only one taxane is included alongside epirubicin and cyclophosphamide.

Other names

EC-T (when referring to epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, and a taxane—either docetaxel or paclitaxel) [2]