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Epirubicin in rectal cancer
J Moreno Nogueira1, E Murillo, A Duque
1Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Service of Medical Oncology, Sevilla, Spain.
Chemioterapia : International Journal of the Mediterranean Society of Chemotherapy
|June 1, 1988
Summary
This Phase II trial investigated epirubicin for rectal cancer. Higher doses showed improved remission rates with manageable toxicity, suggesting further study is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Previous studies explored epirubicin in colorectal cancer.
- Rectal cancer treatment often involves chemotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of two epirubicin dosing regimens in patients with measurable rectal cancer.
- To determine the optimal dose for future clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- A Phase II, oriented trial was conducted starting in January 1985.
- Twenty patients with previously untreated, measurable rectal cancer were enrolled.
- Ten patients received 80 mg/m2 epirubicin every 3 weeks; ten received 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks.
Main Results:
- Partial remission was observed in 1 of 10 patients at 80 mg/m2 and 3 of 10 patients at 100 mg/m2.
- Remission durations ranged from 4 to over 72 weeks.
- Median survival for all patients was 16 months.
- Anemia was more frequent in the higher dose group; no clinical cardiotoxicity was noted.
- Nausea, vomiting, and mucositis incidences were low.
Conclusions:
- Epirubicin demonstrates promising efficacy in rectal cancer with acceptable toxicity.
- The higher dose (100 mg/m2) showed a trend towards better response rates.
- Further investigation with escalated epirubicin doses is recommended.