Epirubicin (Ellence)

General information

Class/mechanism: Anthracycline; binds and intercalates DNA, which triggers DNA cleavage by topoisomerase II; inhibits DNA/RNA synthesis. Inhibits DNA helicase activity, preventing enzymatic separation of double-stranded DNA.
Route: IV
Extravasation: vesicant

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Breast cancer
• Cholangiocarcinoma
• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• Esophageal cancer
  • Esophageal adenocarcinoma
• Gallbladder cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Hepatocellular carcinoma
• Hodgkin lymphoma
• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
• Osteosarcoma
• Small cell lung cancer
• Soft tissue sarcoma
• Testicular cancer

Diseases for which it was used

• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

Patient drug information

• Epirubicin (Ellence) patient drug information (Chemocare)
• Brief patient counseling information can be found on pages 15-16 of the Epirubicin (Ellence) package insert
• Epirubicin (Ellence) patient drug information (UpToDate)

History of changes in FDA indication

• 1999-09-15: Initial approval as a component of adjuvant therapy in patients with evidence of axillary node tumor involvement following resection of primary breast cancer. (Based on FASG 05 & NCIC-CTG MA.5)

Also known as

• Generic name: 4-epi-doxorubicin, epidoxorubicin
• Brand names: Alrubicin, Anthracin, Binarin, Bioepicyna, Crisabon, E.P.R Elvetium, Ellence, Epidoxo, Epifil, Epilem, Epirubicine, Epizin, Epricin, Eracin, Famorubicin, Farmorubicin, Farmorubicina, Farmorubicine, Pharmorubicin, Riboepi, Rubifarm