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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 01/25/2007
  • Updated: 06/02/2011

Epirubicin Hydrochloride

listen 1  (EH-pih-ROO-bih-sin HY-droh-KLOR-ide)

This page contains brief information about epirubicin hydrochloride and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Ellence
FDA Approved: Yes

Use in Cancer

Epirubicin hydrochloride is approved to be used with other drugs to treat:

Epirubicin hydrochloride is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Epirubicin Hydrochloride

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 2 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Epirubicin Hydrochloride 3 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Research Results

Clinical Trial Results: Taxane Combinations Marginally Better than Anthracyclines for Metastatic Breast Cancer 4 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Anthracyclines Improve Survival for HER2-Positive, But Not HER2-Negative, Breast Cancer 5 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Chemotherapy Before Surgery May Increase Survival in Stomach Cancer 6 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Epirubicin Hydrochloride 7 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
early-stage breast cancer (ER-lee-stayj brest KAN-ser)
Breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast or the axillary lymph nodes. This includes ductal carcinoma in situ and stage I, stage IIA, stage IIB, and stage IIIA breast cancers.
lymph node (limf node)
A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called lymph gland.
surgery (SER-juh-ree)
A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/718542.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=39232
3http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a603003.html
4http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/taxanes-anthracyclines0508
5http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/HER2-anthracycline0108
6http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/preop-chemo-gastric0707
7http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=39232&idtype=1
8http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
9http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
10http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
11http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access