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Paclitaxel, Epirubicin
This combination of paclitaxel (a microtubule stabilizer) and epirubicin (a topoisomerase II inhibitor) works synergistically to disrupt cancer cell division and induce apoptosis through distinct mechanisms.
This combination of paclitaxel (a microtubule stabilizer) and epirubicin (a topoisomerase II inhibitor) works synergistically to disrupt cancer cell division and induce apoptosis through distinct mechanisms. Used for Breast cancer (neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings), Advanced or metastatic solid tumors.
At a glance
| Generic name | Paclitaxel, Epirubicin |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital |
| Drug class | Chemotherapy combination (taxane + anthracycline) |
| Target | Microtubules (paclitaxel); Topoisomerase II and DNA (epirubicin) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Paclitaxel stabilizes microtubules and prevents their disassembly, blocking mitotic progression and triggering cell death. Epirubicin intercalates into DNA and inhibits topoisomerase II, preventing DNA unwinding and repair, leading to double-strand breaks and apoptosis. Together, they provide complementary cytotoxic effects against rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Approved indications
- Breast cancer (neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings)
- Advanced or metastatic solid tumors
Common side effects
- Neutropenia
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Cardiotoxicity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Alopecia
- Mucositis
Key clinical trials
- A Clinical Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Sac-TMT, MK-2870) in People With Breast Cancer (MK-2870-032) (PHASE3)
- A Single-Arm, Single-Center, Phase II Clinical Study of Camrelizumab Combined With Radiochemotherapy as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (NA)
- LifEStyle Intervention to Enhance Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Patients With Triple Negative Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- Study of Patritumab Deruxtecan Plus Pembrolizumab With Other Anticancer Agents in Participants With High-Risk Early-Stage Triple-Negative or Hormone Receptor-Low Positive/HER-2 Negative Breast Cancer (MK-1022-010, HERTHENA-Breast-03) (PHASE2)
- QL1706 Plus Chemotherapy as Neoadjuvant Therapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- Posaconazole Plus PD-1 Inhibitors and Chemotherapy vs PD-1 Inhibitors and Chemotherapy in Neoadjuvant Therapy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (PHASE2)
- A Clinical Study of Boserolimab (MK-5890) With Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy in People With Early Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (MK-5890-003) (PHASE2)
- Phase II Exploratory Study of Toripalimab Combined With SBRT in HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Patients With Insensitivity to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy (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 |
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