ABSTRACT

This randomized trial demonstrated that in early breast cancer patients with 3 positive nodes, giving 4 cycles of doxorubicin followed by 8 cycles of CMF (sequential regimen) produced superior 5-year relapse-free and overall survival than giving the same drugs at the same total doses, given as 2 cycles of CMF alternating with 1 cycle of doxorubicin (alternating regimen). Delivered dose intensity and toxicities were similar in both arms. The superior relapse-free survival for the sequential regimen has been maintained at 10 years of follow-up [13], at which time superior overall survival was also demonstrated for this group.