Quality of Life of Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer Treated with Epirubicin and Docetaxel

This phase II study evaluated the clinical response and short-term quality of life in 31 metastatic breast cancer patients treated with an epirubicin-docetaxel combination. The treatment showed a high clinical benefit, with a 55% response rate (16% complete and 39% partial responses) and 74% of patients maintaining their status for at least six months. The mean survival time was 40.8 months. Emotional functioning improved, and concerns about the future were alleviated, although physical and cognitive functioning slightly decreased, and patients experienced distress related to body image and hair loss. Overall, the global quality of life was maintained.