fluorouracil + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel + trastuzumab

This regimen is a sequential combination chemotherapy protocol used primarily for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. It consists of an initial phase with fluorouracil (5-FU), epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (commonly referred to as FEC), followed by a second phase with docetaxel and trastuzumab. - **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, inhibiting cell division. - **Trastuzumab** is a monoclonal antibody targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu), blocking its signaling and mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. This regimen leverages both cytotoxic chemotherapy and targeted therapy to maximize efficacy in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. The addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy has been shown to improve response rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival in this population[2][6][8][9].

Other names

FEC followed by docetaxel and trastuzumabFEC-D+TFEC-D plus trastuzumab