Phase II study of high-dose epirubicin, lonidamine, alpha 2b interferon in advanced breast cancer

Abstract

44 patients with advanced breast cancer were treated with high-dose epirubicin (130 mg/sqm), because of its steep dose-response curve. Lonidamine and alpha interferon were administered as well with the aim of increasing epirubicin uptake and overcoming drug resistance. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor support was provided. 14 complete responses and 22 partial responses were observed in 40 evaluable patients for a 90% overall response rate. Median duration of response was 12 months for complete responders, 7 months for partial responders. In two cases the complete response has lasted for more than two years. Myelosuppression, infection, and cardiac toxicity were the main treatment-related toxic effects. These results are encouraging enough to justify a randomized comparison of our chemotherapy program with standard regimens used in advanced breast cancer.

MRS and MRSI guidance in molecular medicine: targeting and monitoring of choline and glucose metabolism in cancer

“…Inhibition of glucose transport has negative effects on tumor growth in vivo , but currently has no clinical utility . Several hexokinase inhibitors have also entered clinical trials based on encouraging findings in vitro and in vivo . Glycolytic inhibitors have been shown to sensitize tumors to other chemotherapeutic agents, providing a new possible approach to the treatment of chemoresistant cancers .…”