Phase II study of idarubicin in advanced cervical carcinoma

Idarubicin, an anthracycline analogue, was studied in a Phase II trial of 18 patients with advanced cervical carcinoma. Fourteen patients had received no prior chemotherapy (11 had received radiotherapy and three were untreated). All patients received at least two courses of idarubicin at a dose of 12.5 mg/m2 i.v. every 3 weeks. No responses were noted. Fifteen patients had uninterrupted progression of disease and three were stable for 4, 5, and 6 months respectively. Myelosuppression was the most common side effect. Idarubicin displayed no antitumor effect in 18 minimally pretreated cervical carcinoma patients.