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Epirubicin (E)
Epirubicin is a topoisomerase II inhibitor that intercalates into DNA and prevents cancer cell replication and survival.
Epirubicin is a topoisomerase II inhibitor that intercalates into DNA and prevents cancer cell replication and survival. Used for Breast cancer (early-stage and metastatic), Gastric cancer, Colorectal cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | Epirubicin (E) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ELLENCE® |
| Sponsor | Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University |
| Drug class | Anthracycline topoisomerase II inhibitor |
| Target | Topoisomerase II, DNA |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Epirubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy agent that intercalates between DNA base pairs and inhibits topoisomerase II, leading to DNA strand breaks and cell death. It is commonly used in combination chemotherapy regimens for solid tumors. The drug generates reactive oxygen species that further damage cancer cells.
Approved indications
- Breast cancer (early-stage and metastatic)
- Gastric cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Lymphomas
Common side effects
- Cardiotoxicity / cardiomyopathy
- Myelosuppression (neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Alopecia
- Mucositis
- Diarrhea
Key clinical trials
- Phase II Exploratory Study of Toripalimab Combined With SBRT in HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Patients With Insensitivity to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (PHASE2)
- PErsonalized TREatment of High-risk MAmmary Cancer - the PETREMAC Trial (PHASE2)
- Epirubicin Interventional Chemotherapy for Sinonasal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (SNACC): A Prospective Study (PHASE2)
- Pyrotinib Plus Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in HR+/HER2-, HER4-High Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Versus Placebo in Combination With Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy & Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in the Treatment of Early-Stage Estrogen Receptor-Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative (ER+/HER2-) Breast Cancer (MK-3475-756/KEYNOTE-756) (PHASE3)
- Study of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) Combined With Toripalimab Plus Chemotherapy Versus Chemotherapy as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Estrogen Receptor-Positive/Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-Negative (ER+/HER2-) Breast Cancer (NeoHunter) (PHASE2)
- Non-Inferiority Study on MRNA-lncRNA Model in Low-Risk Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients (PHASE3)
- Trial for Treatment of High Risk BC With Two Sequences of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy With Pembrolizumab (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Epirubicin (E) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Epirubicin (E) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University portfolio CI