Efficacy and safety of non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in metastatic breast cancer therapy

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed female cancer in Poland (over 17,500 women). Anthracyclines have become one of the most important drugs in breast cancer systemic treatment. In the treatment of metastatic disease combination chemotherapy with doxorubicin provides the objective response rate of 60–85%, and the median time of progression-free survival is about 12 months. Non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (NPLD) in combination with cyclophosphamide is associated with a lower risk of cardiotoxicity, higher efficacy and more favourable toxicity profile as compared with conventional anthracycline regimes. Two cases of females patients treated with NPLD described in this article demonstrate the importance of the choice of chemotherapy, professional monitoring, early detection and treatment of adverse effects. Non-pegylated liposomal doxorubicin ordained in systemic treatment of stage IV breast cancer prolongs survival and enhances the quality of life. It is a reasonable option for palliative therapy.