Results of clinical study with epirubicin hydrochloride injectable solution for superficial bladder cancer. IMI28 Injectable Solution Study Group for Superficial Bladder Cancer]

A 7-center cooperative clinical study with a new formulation of epirubicin hydrochloride injectable solution (Epirubicin-RTU) was conducted in patients with superficial bladder carcinoma. Epirubicin-RTU at the dose of 60 mg/30 ml was administered by intravesical instillation once daily for three (3) consecutive days and a 4-day drug-free interval followed; then the above intravesical instillation of Epirubicin-RTU was repeated for three consecutive days. All 20 registered cases were eligible, and 18 cases completed the whole course of the study. In 18 completers, CR was observed in 12 cases and PR was observed in one (1) case, for an efficacy rate of 72.2%. The primary adverse reaction was bladder irritation including pollakiuria 85.0% (17/20), miction pain 85.0% (17/20), and hematuria 80.0% (16/20), which were all reversible and tolerable. In urinalysis, urinary sediment showed leukocytes and erythrocytes, and proteinuria was observed. All were reversible. From the above results, this new formulation of Epirubicin-RTU was considered useful for the treatment of superficial bladder carcinoma.