Epirubicin and cisplatin in recurrent, metastatic or advanced carcinoma of the cervix.

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of combination chemotherapy using Cisplatin and Epirubicin in carcinoma of the cervix. Fifty-six patients with local recurrent and/or metastatic carcinoma of the cervix have been treated using Cisplatin 60 mg/m2 and Epirubicin 90-100 mg/m2 every three weeks. The overall response rate was 67.9% (CR 14.3%, PR 53.6%). The response rate was higher in a previously non-treated metastatic area (PR+CR = 93.7%). Four out of fourteen patients in stage IVB had long-term survival ranging from 14 to 85 months. The toxicity was moderate. Leukocytopenia grade IV occurred in 20%. The combination is effective in carcinoma of the cervix, especially in previously non-treated patients.