Future directions for paclitaxel (TAXOL) in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in women in the United States. Although response rates to primary platinum-based therapy are high, relapse is common. The overall survival of patients with advanced-stage disease has not changed dramatically over the last 20 years, even with the advent of effective combination chemotherapy. Paclitaxel (TAXOL) is a new chemotherapeutic agent that shows promise for the treatment of patients with advanced disease as well as those with recurrent cisplatin-refractory disease. Overall response rates have been encouraging, although there are few pathological complete remissions. In contrast to other treatments, many patients achieve prolonged stable disease over multiple cycles of therapy. However, the optimal use of paclitaxel has not yet been determined. Current studies aim to evaluate dose intensity, administration schedule, multidrug regimens, sequence of drug administration, and combinations with radiation therapy. Future studies may address adjuvant therapy of early-stage disease. Results of these trials will clarify the role of paclitaxel in the primary treatment of ovarian cancer.
Bookman
M A
MA
Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111.
Ozols
R F
RF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D017239:Paclitaxel