Feasibility of 21-day continuous infusion of epirubicin in hormone-refractory prostate cancer patients

BACKGROUND: Epirubicin (EPX) has been found to be active in hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) patients. Prolonged EPX infusion has never been investigated in this patient subset. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A feasibility study was conducted in which EPX was administered in 21-day continuous infusion to 15 patients with HRPC. The EPX dose was 5 mg/m2 daily for 21 consecutive days (one course). One week was allowed before starting the next course. RESULTS: The patients received 1 to 6 courses (median 3). As a whole, the treatment was well tolerated. Nine patients did not develop any toxicity, while WHO grade 3 and 4 toxicities were recorded in 4 patients. Alopecia (WHO grade 1-2) was presented in 4 cases. Five patients attained >50% decrease in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). CONCLUSION: Prolonged EPX infusion is feasible and potentially active in the treatment of HRPC patients. Our data suggest caution in administering this treatment in patients bearing rheumatologic disease.