High-dose epirubicin in patients with advanced or recurrent uterine sarcoma

Twenty patients with advanced or recurrent uterine sarcoma who had not received prior chemotherapy, were treated with epirubicin 120 mg m⁻² intravenously every 3 weeks. Four patients (20%) achieved complete response (pathologically confirmed in three cases) and three (15%) achieved partial response. The overall response rate was 35% (95% CI: 15–59). no response was observed for pelvic lesions in previously irradiated areas. Three patients (15%) exhibited stable disease, while 10 (50%) had progressive disease. The median number of courses was six in responders and two in non-responders. The median survival was 48 months (range 19–50+ months) in responders and 6 months (range 2–18 months) in non-responders. Adverse effects consisted primarily of myelosuppression, nausea and vomiting. No patients experienced life-threatening toxicity. High-dose epirubicin appears to be active in patients with advanced or recurrent uterine sarcoma.