Concurrent carboplatin and paclitaxel with pelvic radiation therapy in the primary treatment of cervical cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to determine the feasibility of weekly carboplatin/paclitaxel with radiation therapy (RT) in the primary treatment of cervical cancer.


METHODS
Women diagnosed with stage IB-1 to stage IVA untreated primary cervical cancer were eligible. Carboplatin (area under the curve = 2.0) and paclitaxel 40 mg/m2 were administered weekly for 6 weeks with pelvic RT. Brachytherapy was completed after pelvic RT. Acute toxicities and response to treatment were assessed.


RESULTS
Twenty-two evaluable patients were enrolled. The median duration of follow-up was 23 months. Carboplatin (mean dose 245 mg) and paclitaxel (mean dose 70 mg) were successfully administered in 97% and 90% of planned treatments, respectively. Median time to complete external radiation therapy was 36.6 days (25-57 days). Grade 3/4 hematologic or gastrointestinal toxicity was unusual. The complete response rate 3 months after completion of therapy was 91%. The estimated 3-year progression-free survival is 70% and overall survival is 65%.


CONCLUSIONS
Weekly carboplatin/paclitaxel and RT is a reasonable treatment regimen for cervical cancer.
Higgins
Robert
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, USA.
Bussey
Mary
M
Naumann
Wendel
W
Hall
James
J
Tait
David
D
Haake
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001918:Brachytherapy; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D010388:Pelvis / Q000528:radiation effects; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*
D016190:Carboplatin; D017239:Paclitaxel