The role of maintenance therapy and novel taxanes in ovarian cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Despite several studies reporting various degrees of success, the role of maintenance chemotherapy in ovarian cancer remains controversial. This article reviews the available data and the controversy surrounding maintenance therapy. In addition, the role of novel taxanes, which may offer an improved therapeutic index and reduced toxicity relative to conventional therapies in this setting, is discussed.


METHODS
The available randomized clinical data on extended or maintenance therapy in ovarian cancer are reviewed.


RESULTS
Available data indicate that patients with ovarian cancer undergoing taxane maintenance chemotherapy exhibit a reduced recurrence rate and a longer progression-free survival.


CONCLUSIONS
While an additional randomized trial is needed to confirm these benefits and establish maintenance therapy as the standard of care, the authors conclude that maintenance therapy is a valuable option that should be discussed with patients until further data are available. The Gynecologic Oncology Group 212 trial is a randomized clinical trial that is designed to answer whether taxane maintenance therapy offers a survival advantage as well as to determine the impact of such a therapeutic regimen on a patient's quality of life. This trial is also designed to address some of the questions regarding the role of a novel taxane in maintenance therapy in ovarian cancer.
Herzog
Thomas J
TJ
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University, Herbert Irving Cancer Center, 161 Ft Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA. th2135@columbia.edu
Coleman
Robert L
RL
Markman
Maurie
M
Cella
David
D
Thigpen
J Tate
JT
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D043823:Taxoids; D002945:Cisplatin