Farmorubicin

Farmorubicin (Epirubicin Hydrochloride) for Cancer Treatment

Farmorubicin, also known as epirubicin hydrochloride, is a medication used to treat various types of cancer. It is particularly effective in treating transitional cell bladder cancer, early breast cancer, and metastatic/advanced breast cancer. The medication is available in two forms: a sterile solution for injection and a freeze-dried powder for solution.

Therapeutic Indications

• Transitional Cell Bladder Cancer: Farmorubicin is indicated for the treatment of transitional cell bladder cancer, which includes stages Tis and Ta.
• Early Breast Cancer: It is used to treat early breast cancer, including axillary-node positive breast cancer.
• Metastatic/Advanced Breast Cancer: The medication is also effective in treating metastatic or advanced breast cancer.
• Other Cancers: Farmorubicin has shown responses in gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, small cell lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Administration

Farmorubicin should be administered intravenously into the tubing of a freely flowing intravenous infusion, such as 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose solution. To minimize the risk of thrombosis or perivenous extravasation, the infusion time typically ranges from 3 to 20 minutes, depending on the dosage and volume of the infusion solution.

Dosage

The recommended standard starting dose of Farmorubicin per cycle in adults is 60-120 mg/m² of body surface area. For patients with axillary-node positive breast cancer, the recommended starting dose is 100 to 120 mg/m². The total starting dose can be given as a single dose or divided over 2-3 successive days. Each treatment cycle can be repeated every 3 to 4 weeks, provided there is normal recovery from drug-induced toxicity.

Special Precautions

High starting doses of Farmorubicin may be used in the treatment of breast and lung cancers. However, it is crucial to reduce the dose per cycle if the medication is used in combination with other cytotoxic drugs to avoid overlapping toxicities. Direct push injections are not recommended due to the risk of extravasation, even with adequate blood return upon needle aspiration.