title: Combination chemotherapy of docetaxel and carboplatin in advanced or recurrent cervix cancer. A pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This is a pilot study for a future trial to assess the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy with docetaxel and carboplatin in advanced or recurrent uterine cervix cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patients eligible for this study had histologically confirmed, advanced (stage IB2-IV) or recurrent uterine cervix cancer. Eligible patients had measurable lesions and must have sufficient bone marrow, renal, and liver functions. Docetaxel was administered intravenously (IV) at 60 mg/m2 followed by IV carboplatin administration based on AUC = 6. Chemotherapy was repeated in 1-6 courses depending on the purpose of the therapy. The response was evaluated based on RECIST criteria. The toxicity grade was determined by NCI-CTC version 2.
  
  
  RESULTS
  During January 2001 and April 2004, 17 patients were entered in this study. The distribution of stage was IB2, 3; IIB, 8; IIIB, 3; IVB, 1; recurrent, 2. There were 9 squamous cell carcinomas, 6 adenocarcinomas, 1 adenosquamous cell carcinoma, and 1 small cell carcinoma. The overall response rate was 76% (2 CR, 11 PR, and 4 SD). No progression of disease was observed. All 5 adenocarcinoma patients in the neoadjuvant chemotherapy group responded including 1 pathological CR. The incidences of grade 3/4 toxicities were 76% for neutrocytopenia, 12% for thrombocytopenia, and 6% for anemia. No grade 3/4 neurotoxicity was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combination of docetaxel and carboplatin is an effective and safe treatment for uterine cervix cancer. Further evaluation particularly targeted on cervical adenocarcinoma is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki-City, 701-0192 Japan.
authors.forename: Shoji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nagao
authors.forename: Keiichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fujiwara
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Oda
authors.forename: Hiroyasu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ishikawa
authors.forename: Hirofumi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Koike
authors.forename: Hiromasa
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Ichiro
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kohno
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000077143:Docetaxel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010865:Pilot Projects; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D016190:Carboplatin