paclitaxel + epirubicin

Paclitaxel + epirubicin is a combination chemotherapy regimen consisting of the taxane paclitaxel and the anthracycline epirubicin. Both agents are cytotoxic small molecules with distinct mechanisms of action. Paclitaxel stabilizes microtubules, inhibiting their depolymerization and thereby blocking cell division during mitosis. Epirubicin intercalates into DNA, inhibits topoisomerase II activity, and generates free radicals that cause DNA damage. This combination has been studied primarily in breast cancer—both metastatic and operable forms—where it has demonstrated high response rates as first-line or adjuvant therapy[1][2][3][4][5]. The EP regimen is notable for its efficacy in ERBB2-negative (HER2-negative), lymph node–positive breast cancer, with noninferior long-term survival compared to standard regimens containing cyclophosphamide[2]. The main toxicities are hematologic (notably neutropenia), but cardiac toxicity is lower than combinations using doxorubicin instead of epirubicin[1][4][5].

Other names

paclitaxel and epirubicinEP regimen