TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Chemotherapy drugs used for breast cancer
Source: Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: Not stated in this source · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
NCI patient treatment article for this disease Exact source article; not a clinically reviewed indication or current-standard recommendation.
Context: Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Chemotherapy drugs used for breast cancer
Chemotherapy drugs used to treat breast cancer include:
anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin, liposomal doxorubicin, and epirubicin
Source links and citations
capecitabine
Source links and citations
cyclophosphamide
Source links and citations
eribulin
Source links and citations
fluorouracil (5-FU)
Source links and citations
gemcitabine
Source links and citations
ixabepilone
Source links and citations
methotrexate
Source links and citations
platinum agents, such as cisplatin or carboplatin
Source links and citations
taxanes, such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, and albumin-bound paclitaxel
Source links and citations
Combinations of chemotherapy drugs may be used. Other chemotherapy drugs not listed here may also be used.
Chemotherapy may also be combined with other kinds of drugs. For example:
HER2-positive breast cancer may be treated with both chemotherapy and targeted therapy, such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Learn more about these drugs at Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer.
Source links and citations
Triple-negative breast cancer may be treated with both chemotherapy and the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab. Learn more about Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment.
Source links and citations
Hormone receptor–positive breast cancer may be treated with both chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Learn more about Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer.
Source links and citations
Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice