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.