Single agent epirubicin in squamous cell cervical cancer. A phase II trial.
Thirty consecutive patients with FIGO stage III-IV, squamous cell uterine cervix cancer were entered in a phase II trial evaluating activity and safety of epirubicin when given at a dose of 80 mg/m2 i.v., every 3 weeks. Two complete responses (including a pathological complete remission) plus 3 partial responses were observed among 27 evaluable patients with a response rate of 18.5% (95% confidence limits = 7.6%-36.4%). The median time to progression and median survival for all treated patients were 3 and 8 months respectively. Treatment was well tolerated. Haematological toxicity was mild. WHO grade 4 toxicity was not observed. The median total cumulative dose of epirubicin was 360 mg/m2 (80-840 mg/m2). Congestive heart failure was not noted. Further studies in cervical cancer with higher doses of epirubicin as single agent or in combination with other nonmyelotoxic drugs are indicated.
Calero
F
F
Department of Gynaecology, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain.
Rodriguez-Escudero
F
F
Jimeno
J
J
Mendaña
J
J
Iglesias
J
J
Murillo
F
F
Ugalde
F
F
Armas
A
A
Rementeria
A
A
Asins
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D015251:Epirubicin