Phase II trial of weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) in platinum and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian and primary peritoneal cancers: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the activity of single agent weekly paclitaxel in patients with both platinum and paclitaxel (delivered every 3 weeks)-resistant ovarian cancer.


METHODS
Forty-eight patients with platinum and paclitaxel-resistant ovarian cancer (defined as progression during, or recurrence < 6 months following, their prior treatment with both agents) received single agent weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2/week) until disease progression (assuming acceptable toxicity). Following the initial 12 weekly doses, treatment could be given for 3 weeks, with a 1 week break.


RESULTS
In this chemoresistant population, the objective response rate was 20.9%. Serious adverse events were relatively uncommon (neuropathy-grade 2: 21%; grade 3: 4%; and grade 3 fatigue: 8%).


CONCLUSIONS
The weekly administration of paclitaxel can be a useful management approach in women with both platinum and paclitaxel (given every 3 weeks)-resistant ovarian cancer. It would be appropriate to directly compare weekly to every 3-week paclitaxel delivery in the setting of primary chemotherapy of advanced ovarian cancer.
University of Texas, M.D. Anderson, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Mail Box 121, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. MMarkman@mdanderson.org
Markman
Maurie
M
Blessing
John
J
Rubin
Stephen C
SC
Connor
Joseph
J
Hanjani
Parviz
P
Waggoner
Steven
S
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D017239:Paclitaxel