Lack of effective systemic therapy for recurrent clear cell carcinoma of the ovary.
OBJECTIVE
Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary is an aggressive tumor characterized by relative chemoresistance and a poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with recurrent clear cell carcinoma of the ovary to evaluate its responsiveness to systemic cytotoxic and hormonal agents.


METHODS
All patients diagnosed with clear cell carcinoma of the ovary seen at our institution between 1990 and 2002 were identified and their medical records reviewed. Eligibility criteria were: 1) primary diagnosis of clear cell carcinoma of the ovary, 2) measurable recurrent disease, 3) treatment of recurrent disease with 1 or more systemic regimens, and 4) adequate clinical information. End points were clinical response, progression-free survival, and overall survival.


RESULTS
Fifty-one patients treated for recurrent clear cell carcinoma were identified. The patients received a total of 105 regimens (344 cycles of therapy). Among patients with platinum-sensitive disease (n=22 regimens), 2 patients (9%) had partial responses to retreatment with carboplatin plus paclitaxel, and 4 (18%) had stable disease. Among patients with platinum-resistant disease (n=83 regimens), only 1 patient (1%) had a partial response - to gemcitabine - and 1 patient had stable disease in response to 2 different regimens-paclitaxel and gemcitabine. The median progression-free survival was 8 months, and the median overall survival was 18 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that recurrent clear cell carcinoma of the ovary is particularly chemoresistant. A continued search for more active, targeted agents is warranted.
Crotzer
David R
DR
Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Sun
Charlotte C
CC
Coleman
Robert L
RL
Wolf
Judith K
JK
Levenback
Charles F
CF
Gershenson
David M
DM
D018262:Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077143:Docetaxel; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008558:Melphalan / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage
D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D016190:Carboplatin; D017239:Paclitaxel; D002945:Cisplatin; D008558:Melphalan