Low-dose oral etoposide in epithelial cancer of the ovary.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate antitumour activity, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and the pharmacodynamic relationship with neutropenia of low-dose oral etoposide (E) in patients (pts) with epithelial cancer of the ovary previously treated with cisplatin.


METHODS
Eighteen pts receiving 50 mg daily of oral E for 21 days every 4 weeks. CBC with differential repeated every week. E plasma levels determined by HPLC method (sensitivity limit: 0.1 microgram/ml) with evaluation during the first cycle of bioavailability and weekly 24-hour drug concentrations.


RESULTS
Among 17 evaluable pts, 1 partial remission of 9 months. Dose-limiting neutropenia of high inter-patient variability. Mean bioavailability value of 75%, ranging from 44% to 100%. No correlation between mean 24-hour E plasma levels and ANC nadir or relative decrease of ANC during the first cycle.


CONCLUSIONS
Low-dose oral E is ineffective as salvage treatment in epithelial cancer of the ovary. The large variability of neutropenia requires a careful hematological monitoring to avoid severe myelosuppression.
Marzola
M
M
Division of Gynecology, Ospedale San Gerardo, Monza, Italy.
Zucchetti
M
M
Colombo
N
N
Sessa
C
C
Pagani
O
O
D'Incalci
M
M
Cavalli
F
F
Mangioni
C
C
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001682:Biological Availability; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012074:Remission Induction; D016879:Salvage Therapy
D005047:Etoposide