Preoperative chemotherapy for fungating breast cancer

Thirty cases of fungating breast cancer (stages III and IV) were treated preoperatively by combination chemotherapy using cyclophosphamide (Endoxan), methotrexate, 5‐fluorouracil, and prednisone. Mastectomy was performed after 2 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy followed by 6 more cycles postoperatively. Of 30 patients, 25 (83.3%) were made operable and had better disease‐free survival. Preoperative chemotherapy has an advantage as regards improvement in quality and longevity without much toxicity, and provides a better palliation.