Second-line treatment of ovarian cancer with single-agent gemcitabine.
Single-agent gemcitabine has been examined in several phase II trials in platinum- and paclitaxel-resistant advanced ovarian cancer. In this population, where patients are often heavily pretreated prior to the administration of gemcitabine, an acceptable dose and schedule is 800 to 1,000 mg/m(2) weekly for 3 weeks, followed by a 1-week rest. The anticipated objective response rate in the platinum/taxane-resistant population is approximately 15%. This level of activity (confirmed in several phase II trials), and the generally favorable toxicity profile for gemcitabine in this group of patients, leads to the conclusion that single-agent gemcitabine is a reasonable second-line treatment option in previously treated women with advanced ovarian cancer.
Markman
Maurie
M
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. markmam@ccf.org
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002945:Cisplatin; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000093542:Gemcitabine
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D002945:Cisplatin; D000093542:Gemcitabine