Epirubicin + G-CSF as peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) mobilising agents in breast cancer patients.
BACKGROUND
In an attempt to mobilise peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) from patients with breast cancer, Epirubicin supported with G-CSF was tested. Another aim of the study was also to optimize the procedure so that the number of leukapheresis procedures could be reduced. These cells were subsequently reinfused as hematologic rescue after high-dose chemotherapy programs.


METHODS
Twenty-nine patients received Epirubicin 150 mg/sqm + G-CSF at the dose of 5 micro/kg/bw s.c. daily, starting 24 hours after chemotherapy. Twelve had metastatic, eight inflammatory or locally advanced disease, and nine were treated in an adjuvant setting.


RESULTS
The median numbers of CD34+ cells and CFU-GM collected were 12.9 x 106/kg/bw and 111.7 x 10(4)/kg/bw, respectively. The mean number of leukapheresis procedures per patient was 1.8 +/- 0.3 (range 1-3), and the mean day of the first procedure was the tenth +/- 1 (range 8-13) after Epirubicin. The minimum required target for one high-dose procedure was collected in a single leukapheresis in 13 patients. Moreover, in 9 cases one procedure was adequate for two high-dose courses (i.e. > or = 10 x 10(6)/kg/bw CD34+ cells). Response to Epirubicin was evaluable in 14/20 cases, with a response rate of 50%.


CONCLUSIONS
Epirubicin delivered at 150 mg/sqm is a very effective mobilising agent for breast cancer patients; to ameliorate the response rate other active drug(s) should be added.
Rosti
G
G
Medical Oncology Ravenna, Italy.
Albertazzi
L
L
Ferrante
P
P
Nicoletti
P
P
Morandi
P
P
Bari
M
M
Macchi
S
S
Monti
G
G
Argnani
M
M
Sebastiani
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D016179:Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor; D015251:Epirubicin