In a phase II trial, Karmarkar et al investigated a neoadjuvant regimen of four cycles of docetaxel (90 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC 6) on day 1 with filgrastim every 3 weeks in 22 patients with locally advanced breast cancer. After four cycles, patients underwent surgery. A total of 16 patients were evaluable for efficacy and toxicity. There were five complete responses and 11 partial responses reported. Grade 3/4 toxicities included myelosuppression with infection (n=1), myalgia (n=2), diarrhea (n=1), fatigue/asthenia (n=5), and nausea (n=4). The authors concluded that this neoadjuvant combination of docetaxel and carboplatin was active and well tolerated; they also noted that the addition of filgrastim allowed a dose intense regimen to be delivered.