Abstract

Background: Gemcitabine monotherapy has been widely used in pretreated recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this regimen. Method: Retrospective study of 41 anthracyline-and taxane-refractory recurrent or metastatic breast cancer patients in National Cancer Hospital from December 2016 to December 2020. Results: Of all patients, 73.2% had more than two sites of metastasis. 70.7% had elevated CA 15-3 level. Mean number of cycles was 7.2 (range 2-22). Disease control rate was 71.7%. Overall response rate was 34.1% (complete response, 12.2%; partial response 21.9%). Subgroup of Her2/neu amplification had significantly higher response rate (46.2% vs 13.3%). Median progression free survival was 6.1 months. Neutropenia was the most common adverse event, most of which was in grade 1 (36.6%) or grade 2 (7.3%). Conclusion: Gemcitabine monotherapy is effective and safe in anthracycline- and taxane- refractory recurrent or metastatic breast cancer patients.