Epirubicin/vinorelbine adjuvant chemotherapy in young women with breast cancer is associated with preservation of menstrual function.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: To determine whether the epirubicin and vinorelbine regimen in the adjuvant (neoadjuvant) treatment of breast cancer has minimum adverse effects on menstrual function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six premenopausal women with a median age of 32 (25-47) years received epirubicin and vinorelbine. Twenty-eight received only epirubicin and vinorelbine without any other neo/adjuvant chemotherapy agents. Amenorrhoea was defined as absence of periods 6 months after the completion of chemotherapy. The medical records of all patients were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were assessable for effects of epirubicin and vinorelbine on menstruation. All the 26 patients resumed menstruation within 6 months of completing epirubicin and vinorelbine treatment. Epirubicin and vinorelbine was well tolerated. After a median follow-up of 38.5 (11-78) months, six (21%) patients had developed disease relapse and three (11%) had died. The 6.5-year disease-free survival and overall survival probabilities were 77 and 86%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant (neoadjuvant) epirubicin and vinorelbine is an effective and well-tolerated regimen that is associated with the retention of menstrual function.