The effects of chemotherapy with anthracyclines vs capecitabine on tumour size, survival rate and estradiol levels in patients with locally advanced breast cancer

Objectives: To investigate the therapeutic effect of anthracycline chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer and its impact on Estradiol and tumor size. Methods: A total of 136 breast cancer patients in our hospital were divided into NH group (anthracycline chemotherapy) and CG group (non-anthracycline chemotherapy). The clinical effects on patients in both groups were observed. The levels of estrone (E1), estradiol (E2) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) before and after treatment were measured. The tumor size, adverse reactions and 2-year survival rate of NH group and CG group were evaluated after 1-3 courses of treatment. Results: There was no significant difference in the serum E1, E2 and FSH levels before treatment between the NH group and the CG group (p > 0.05). After treatment, the levels of E1 and E2 in the NH group and the CG group were lower than those before treatment, and the FSH levels were higher than those before treatment (p < 0.05). Compared with the NH group, whilst the FSH levels were lower, the E1 and E2 levels in the CG group were significantly higher. There was no significant difference in the tumor size between the NH group and the CG group before treatment (p > 0.05). Compared with those of before treatment, the FSH levels in the NH group and the CG group after treatment were higher (p < 0.05). The tumor volume gradually decreased over the course of treatment, and the tumor size during treatment in the NH group was smaller than that of the CG group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The 2-year survival rate of NG group and CG group was 82.3% and 71.3%, respectively with the NH group being significantly higher than that of the CG group. Conclusions: The effects of anthracycline on advanced breast cancer was better, showing lowered levels of serum E2, and decreased tumor volumes.

Breast cancer; Anthracyclines; E2; Clinical efficacy.

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