By Dr. Mehwish Manzoor
Background
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is more common in developing countries, accounting for up to 50% of cases. The AC-T chemotherapy regimen is widely used for its management but is associated with hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities. Limited local data are available regarding the toxicity profile of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients in Pakistan.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiation Oncology, INMOL, Lahore, over six months after ethical approval. A total of 100 patients with locally advanced breast cancer receiving the AC-T chemotherapy regimen were enrolled after informed consent. Patients were evaluated for treatment-related toxicities through clinical assessment and laboratory investigations, including complete blood counts. Hematologic toxicities such as anemia and neutropenia, and non-hematologic toxicities including diarrhea and fatigue, were recorded and graded according to standard criteria.
Results
All 100 patients were evaluated after receiving the AC-T regimen. Most patients developed treatment-related toxicities ranging from grade 1 to grade 3. The most frequently observed adverse effects included anemia, neutropenia, diarrhea, and fatigue. No patient developed grade 4 or grade 5 anemia. No significant association was observed between toxicities and TNM stage or ECOG performance status.
Conclusion
The AC-T chemotherapy regimen was associated mainly with manageable grade 1–3 hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities. The most common adverse effects were anemia, neutropenia, and diarrhea, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring and supportive care during treatment.