A phase II study of weekly paclitaxel in platinum and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
In platinum-resistant ovarian cancer weekly paclitaxel has shown an equal efficiency and better toxicity profile compared to three-weekly paclitaxel in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. We wanted to study response rate, response duration and toxicity in platinum-resistant tumors with emphasis on tumors also resistant to three-weekly paclitaxel.


METHODS
Fifty-seven patients with platinum-resistant disease, treated with weekly paclitaxel 80 mg/m2, 1-hour infusion, were evaluable for response and toxicity (Group A). Of these, 39 patients (Group B) had tumors resistant to paclitaxel as well.


RESULTS
Overall response rate was 56% (12% CR, 44% PR, 19% SD, 25% PD) and 49% in group B: 5% CR, 44% PR, 23% SD, 28% PD. Median progression-free survival was 5.0 months and 4.0 months in group A and B, respectively. Median survival was 13.7 months in both groups. Toxicity was mild. Only two patients had grade 2 neutropenia and no neutropenic fever was recorded. No worsening in pre-existing neurotoxicity or hypersensitivity reactions was observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Weekly administration of paclitaxel is associated with promising response rates in patients with platinum- and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer. The treatment is well tolerated with non-cumulative hematologic and non-hematologic toxicity.
Kaern
J
J
Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo.
Baekelandt
M
M
Tropé
C G
CG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D008875:Middle Aged; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010984:Platinum / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011336:Probability; D012074:Remission Induction; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010984:Platinum; D017239:Paclitaxel