The timing of normalization of CA-125 levels during primary chemotherapy is predictive of survival in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the timing of normalization of CA-125 levels during primary chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) could predict survival.


METHODS
Patients who reached a complete clinical response for EOC with primary taxane/platinum-based chemotherapy were eligible. Patient demographics, chemotherapy administration, CA-125 levels, and survival outcomes were abstracted. Progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and platinum sensitivity (>6 months from chemotherapy completion) were compared to CA-125 levels during primary therapy.


RESULTS
262 patients who achieved a complete clinical response were identified. Patients who achieved normalization of CA-125 by 3rd cycle of chemotherapy were compared to patients who failed to achieve normalization by the 3rd cycle. Patients with early normalization demonstrated improved PFS (19 vs. 6 months; p<0.001), OS (48 vs. 27 months; p<0.001) and platinum sensitivity (78 vs. 22%; p<0.001). This survival advantage was maintained when patients were evaluated by debulking status. Additionally, when stratified by the specific cycle patients' achieved normalization, PFS ranged from 25 months after surgery to 2 months after 6th cycle (p<0.001). OS demonstrated a similar trend from 74 months to 22 months (p<0.001), while platinum sensitivity decreased from 72% to 24% (p<0.001). An average of 3.8 months in PFS and 8.6 months of OS was gained for each one-cycle improvement in CA-125 normalization.


CONCLUSIONS
Earlier normalization of CA-125 levels during primary chemotherapy for EOC predicts improvement in platinum sensitivity, PFS, and OS. This data provides prognostic information that may influence future decisions regarding chemotherapy and potentially earlier enrollment in treatment protocols.
Rocconi
Rodney P
RP
Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA. rocconi@usouthal.edu
Matthews
Kellie S
KS
Kemper
Meredith K
MK
Hoskins
Kelly E
KE
Huh
Warner K
WK
Straughn
J Michael
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018394:CA-125 Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D015996:Survival Rate; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds; D018394:CA-125 Antigen; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D043823:Taxoids; C080625:taxane