#2968 Amifostine Prevents Haematological Toxicity Due to Dose-Dense Preoperative Chemotherapy with Adriamycin and Docetaxel. K Tykal, SD Costa, G von Minckwitz, S Loibl, S Petrich, G Shickl, M Kaufmann; Universitats-frauenklinik Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Introduction: Haematological toxicity is a consistent and frequent adverse effect of dose-dense preoperative chemotherapy with adriamycin (A) and docetaxel (Doc) in breast cancer (v Minckwitz et al, J Clin Oncol, 1999, 1999-2005). Even if G-CSF is administered, almost 25% of patients develop neutropenia grade III-IV. The aim of this study was to investigate if amifostine could reduce the incidence of haemotological toxicity associated with Adoc and to document its side effects. Methods: 12 patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer, T1-2, NO-1, MO received 4 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy with Adoc every two weeks. Amifostine 910 mg/m2 iv was given before starting chemotherapy. 1000 ml of normal saline were given prior to amifostine to prevent arterial hypotension. A total of 48 cycles were administered. Supportive medication consisted of ondansetron and dexamethasone but not of G-CSF. Haematological toxicities, according to NCIC - score were documented. Results: Grade III leukopenia occurred only during one cycle. The most common side effect was hypotension (9 of 11 patients), which was associated with nausea (6/11), fear and panic (2/11) and vertigo (2/11). The systolic blood pressure decreased up to 50% within a few minutes and recovered after 5 - 10 minutes spontaneously. Despite the short duration of hypotension, this event was perceived by most patients as very annoying and two patients refused further amifostine administration. Conclusions: Amifostine appears to be a very potent agent to prevent myelotoxicity due to dose-dense chemotherapy with adriamycin and docetaxel. However, amifostine is associated with considerable side effects such as arterial hypotension, nausea and panic attacks. Therefore lower dosages, different administration regimens and additional medications are currently investigated. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.