epirubicin or doxorubicin

Epirubicin and doxorubicin are both anthracycline antibiotics widely used as chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of various cancers. Doxorubicin intercalates DNA strands and inhibits topoisomerase II, leading to inhibition of DNA replication and transcription. Epirubicin is a stereoisomer (4'-epimer) of doxorubicin with a similar mechanism of action but is associated with reduced cardiotoxicity at equivalent doses. Both drugs generate free radicals that contribute to their cytotoxic effects but also underlie their potential for cardiac toxicity. They are primarily indicated for breast cancer but are also used in other malignancies such as lymphomas and leukemias[1][2][3][6][8].

Brand names

EllenceAdriamycin

Other names

EPIDXR4'-epidoxorubicinhydroxydaunorubicin