Epirubicin in colorectal cancer. A phase II study of the early clinical trials group (EORTC).
Epirubicin, a stereoisomer of doxorubicin with suggested lower potential for cardiotoxicity in experimental animal tumor systems, was studied in a disease-oriented phase II trial in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. The drug was given as a direct iv injection of 90 mg/m2 q 3 weeks. No objective response was observed in 52 evaluable patients with colon (n = 34) and rectal (n = 18) carcinoma. Fourteen patients (27%) had stable disease for a median of four treatment courses. Leukopenia (88%), nausea and vomiting (71%) and alopecia (54%) were the most common toxic effects. We conclude that epirubicin at the present dose and schedule is an ineffective agent in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000505:Alopecia / Q000139:chemically induced; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D015251:Epirubicin; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014839:Vomiting / Q000139:chemically induced
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D015251:Epirubicin; D004317:Doxorubicin