Rationale for regimen Considering anthracyclines, most regimens today combine either epirubicin or doxorubicin in concert with 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide. However, based on the evidence in the literature, it is not clear what the contribution of 5-FU or cyclophosphamide is to the effectiveness of such regimens, in particular not when a taxane is administered in sequence or concert. Thus, the NSABP-group has abandoned use of 5-FU from their adjuvant regimen. Considering cyclophosphamide, this compound seems to add to the carcinogenetic effect of anthracyclines enhancing the risk of secondary leukemia, while the contribution to the antitumor efficacy of the regimen remains uncertain. The taxanes are known to have significant antitumor effects in breast cancer when administered as monotherapy. Considering docetaxel, the dose generally advocated for monotherapy is 100 mg/m2, while a dose of 75mg/m2 is recommended for combined use. Thus, the potential exists that the dose for combined use may be sub-optimal in some patients.