Multiple Cycles of High Dose Chemotherapy Supported With Filgrastim and Peripheral Blood Progenitor Cells in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the effects on 2 year progression-free survival of a regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, and filgrastim (G-CSF) to mobilize peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs), followed by 2 courses of carboplatin and paclitaxel followed by 1 course of melphalan, each supported with PBPCs and G-CSF, in patients with recurrent or refractory, advanced breast cancer. II. Evaluate the feasibility of administering multiple courses of high dose chemotherapy in an outpatient setting for these patients. III. Evaluate the rate of complete response to the high dose therapy in these patients.

OUTLINE: This is a multicenter study. Patients receive mobilization therapy consisting of cyclophosphamide IV over 1 hour followed by paclitaxel IV over 3 hours, then filgrastim (G-CSF) beginning 24 hours following completion of paclitaxel and continuing through the last day of leukapheresis. Leukapheresis continues until an adequate number of CD34+ cells is collected. Following cell count recovery, patients receive 3 courses of high-dose chemotherapy: 2 courses of paclitaxel IV over 3 hours followed by carboplatin IV over 1 hour, with the first course generally within 21 days after completion of leukapheresis and the second course 21-35 days after the first; then 1 course of melphalan IV infused over 30 minutes 21-35 days after the previous carboplatin dose. Each course of chemotherapy is followed 24-48 hours later by the infusion of G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood progenitor cells and G-CSF. Patients are followed every 3 months for 2 years.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 96 evaluable patients will be accrued for this study over 3 years.