Epirubicin treatment of advanced breast carcinoma with the weekly low-dose regimen.

Authors describe the results obtained with weekly low-dose (20 or 30 mg/total) of intravenous bolus epirubicin, used as second line chemotherapy, after CMF, in 29 advanced breast carcinoma patients. 29% objective response rate (1 complete + 6 partial responses) has been observed in 24 evaluable patients, with median response duration of 4 months (range 1-7+). The discrete response rate and the minimal incidence of side effects call for further studies and more extensive evaluation of epirubicin given alone or in combination through this new treatment schedule.