What is the most common chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer?

The most common chemotherapy regimen for breast cancer is FEC, which stands for Fluorouracil, Epirubicin, and Cyclophosphamide. This regimen is widely utilized in the treatment of early-stage breast cancer and is particularly favored for its effectiveness and manageable side effect profile.

FEC works by employing a combination of drugs that target rapidly dividing cancer cells. This is crucial because breast cancer cells often proliferate quickly, and a multi-drug approach can improve response rates compared to using a single agent. Epirubicin is an anthracycline known for its ability to interfere with DNA replication in cancer cells, while Cyclophosphamide acts by damaging DNA and preventing cell division. Fluorouracil complements the regimen by inhibiting DNA synthesis, enhancing its overall efficacy.

In clinical practice, FEC may be used as part of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment strategies, especially in hormone receptor-negative breast cancer cases, making it a cornerstone of breast cancer chemotherapy. This regimen has garnered substantial evidence and clinical experience, contributing to its status as a common choice in managing the disease.