What agents are commonly used in chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer?

The agents commonly used in chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer include anthracyclines and taxanes. Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin and epirubicin, are known for their effectiveness in treating a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, due to their ability to intercalate DNA and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. They are often part of the first-line treatment for both early-stage and metastatic breast cancer.

Taxanes, such as paclitaxel and docetaxel, also play a crucial role in breast cancer treatment. They work by disrupting the normal functioning of the microtubules, which are essential for cell division. This mechanism helps to halt the proliferation of cancer cells, making taxanes effective in both adjuvant therapy and treatment for metastatic breast cancer.

While other drugs listed in the options do have roles in the treatment of certain cancers, they are not as commonly used specifically for breast cancer. For instance, carboplatin and etoposide, primarily used in germ cell tumors and small-cell lung cancer, and gemcitabine along with cisplatin, used in a variety of other malignancies, are not standard in breast cancer treatment. Likewise, 5-FU and