Ellence (generic name, epirubicin) is an example of a medication in the class of drugs known as anthracyclines. Although Ellence can be effective in the treatment of breast cancer, Ellence poses a risk of cardiotoxic side effects (i.e., severe heart problems).
To reduce the potential for cardiotoxicity, the following precautions are undertaken when considering or administering Ellence:[1]
• The medical history (including other cardiac risk factors, such as pre-existing heart disease, age, high blood pressure, diabetes, previous radiation therapy of the chest wall, and/or previous use of an anthracycline drug) of the patient is considered prior to deciding whether to use Ellence.
• Limited doses of Ellence typically are administered to patients.
• Zinecard (generic name, dexrazoxane), a cardioprotective drug, may be given to some patients receiving Ellence treatment.
• During Ellence treatment, patients are closely monitored for any heart problems.
Zinecard may be given to some breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment with Ellence. Use of Zinecard has demonstrated the ability to reduce the risk of severe heart problems that may arise as a side effect of treatment with Ellence. Therefore, Zinecard treatment allows the risk of cardiotoxicity to be lowered in breast cancer patients who:[1]
• Need greater cumulative doses of Ellence
• Have pre-existing risk factors for heart disease and are going to receive Ellence treatment
REFERENCE
1. National Cancer Institute. Physicians Data Query: Breast cancer treatment. Accessed at www.cancer.gov.
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