TC Regimen (Docetaxel + Cyclophosphamide)

Feature Details
Full Name Docetaxel + Cyclophosphamide
Typical Indication Adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage, HER2-negative breast cancer, especially in node-negative or low-node–positive disease; also used in some other solid tumors.
Goal Reduce recurrence risk and improve survival after surgery.
Typical Dosing (Adjuvant Breast Cancer) Docetaxel 75 mg/m² IV + Cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m² IV, both on Day 1 every 21 days × 4 cycles.
Mechanism Docetaxel: Taxane that inhibits microtubule depolymerization → mitotic arrest.
Cyclophosphamide: Alkylating agent causing DNA crosslinking → apoptosis.
Advantages – Non-anthracycline regimen (avoids doxorubicin cardiotoxicity)
– Shorter duration (4 cycles vs. 6+)
Key Toxicities Neutropenia (high risk — primary G-CSF prophylaxis recommended)
– Fatigue
Alopecia
– Myalgias/arthralgias
– Docetaxel-specific: fluid retention, nail changes, neuropathy
– Cyclophosphamide-specific: hemorrhagic cystitis (rare at adjuvant doses), SIADH
Supportive Care Considerations G-CSF prophylaxis (e.g., pegfilgrastim) is standard due to high FN risk.
– Dexamethasone premedication for docetaxel to reduce hypersensitivity and edema.
– Hydration for cyclophosphamide.
Alternatives AC → T (Anthracycline + Taxane) regimens if higher-risk disease and patient can tolerate anthracyclines.
Synonyms
TC
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