Pannuti F, Camaggi C M, Strocchi E, Comparsi R, Rossi A P, Angelelli B, Franchini A
Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1986 Nov;22(11):1309-14. doi: 10.1016/0277-5379(86)90138-0.
Epirubicin (epiDX) pharmacokinetics was followed in 10 advanced cancer patients with hepatic metastases from colorectal carcinoma or primary liver tumor after single bolus administration (20-40 mg) in the hepatic artery, through a surgically implanted catheter and subcutaneous access port. EpiDX plasma and whole blood concentrations follow a triphasic decay qualitatively similar to that observed after IV administration. Blood levels are consistently higher than plasma levels. Plasma clearance (nine patients, mean: 93.4 l/hr; range: 69.3-129.5 l/hr) is higher than the corresponding parameter determined in patients with hepatic metastases after intravenous therapy. The remaining patient is characterised by an abnormally low plasma clearance (13.6 l/hr), due to a hepato-pulmonary shunt. The subjects in this study were exposed to very low drug concentrations, and therefore experienced no relevant adverse side-effects.
