ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between adverse reactions and curative effect in neoadjuvant chemotherapy, this study is to explore whether the adverse reactions of chemotherapy can indirectly predict the efficacy of chemotherapy, so as to give a new definition of adverse reactions of chemotherapy.MethodsThe clinical data of 64 patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer (after 4 cycles of TAC regimen) were retrospectively analyzed. The adverse reactions (weakness, nausea, vomiting, alopecia, myelosuppression, cardiotoxicity) during chemotherapy were counted. At the same time, the evaluation of chemotherapy efficacy was carried out according to the RECIST1.1 standard, and the relationship between the degree of adverse reactions of chemotherapy and the curative effect was analyzed one by one. Then, according to the severity of adverse reactions, adopting the form of scoring to assign the value, and use Pearson correlation analysis to clarify the specific relationship between adverse reactions and curative effect. Finally, four subgroups of Luminal A, Luminal B, Her2+ and Sanyin were determined according to molecular typing, and the relationship between adverse reactions and therapeutic effects among different subgroups was analyzed.ResultsThere was no difference in the adverse reactions of chemotherapy in neoadjuvant chemotherapy patients of different ages (correlation coefficient r fluctuated between –0.079 and –0.164, P value fluctuated between 0.195 and 0.533). The patients with high scores of adverse reactions showed relatively good efficacy (r=0.587, P<0.01). There was no significant correlation between fatigue, nausea and vomiting and efficacy (r=0.199, P=0.144; r=0.127, P=0.144). Among the adverse reactions, there was a significant positive correlation between alopecia, myelosuppression, cardiotoxicity and efficacy (r=0.532, r=0.621, r=0.422, all P<0.01). The above correlation was verified in the Luminal A subgroup (r=0.559, P<0.007).ConclusionsThe severity of adverse reactions in neoadjuvant chemotherapy can predict the efficacy of chemotherapy. To a certain extent, the heavier adverse reactions, the better the chemotherapy effect. Hair loss, myelosuppression, and cardiotoxicity have a clearer effect on efficacy in several common adverse reactions.