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.