fluorouracil + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide + docetaxel

This is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of four cytotoxic agents—fluorouracil (5-FU), epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, and docetaxel—used primarily in the treatment of early-stage and node-positive breast cancer. The typical protocol involves sequential administration: initial cycles of fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FEC) followed by cycles of docetaxel (D). - **Fluorouracil** is an antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase, disrupting DNA synthesis. - **Epirubicin** is an anthracycline antibiotic that intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II. - **Cyclophosphamide** is an alkylating agent causing cross-linking of DNA strands. - **Docetaxel** is a taxane that stabilizes microtubules and prevents cell division. The combination exploits different mechanisms to maximize tumor cell kill while minimizing resistance. It has demonstrated improved disease-free survival and overall survival compared to regimens without sequential taxane administration[1][2][3][4]. The regimen can be used as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy.

Brand names

None

Other names

5-fluorouracil + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide + docetaxelFEC-D regimenFEC-T regimen