Improved overall survival with 12 cycles of single-agent paclitaxel maintenance therapy following a complete response to induction chemotherapy in advanced ovarian carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
Previously reported studies have suggested that maintenance therapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer may provide progression-free survival (PFS) benefits, although they have not discerned a similar impact on patient overall survival (OS).


METHODS
We examined the long-term PFS and OS of a previous study population consecutively treated with either 3 cycles (group A; n = 13 patients) or 12 cycles (group B; n = 13) of paclitaxel (135 mg/m(2); Q21 days) maintenance therapy. Eligible patients received maintenance chemotherapy following a complete response to 6 cycles of primary induction chemotherapy, comprising 6 cycles of carboplatin (AUC = 5), paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2)), and gemcitabine (800 mg/m(2)) per protocol.


RESULTS
There were statistically significant PFS differences between group A (12 months) and group B (24 months) (p = 0.016). Moreover, the OS in group A was 38 months and 80 months for group B (p = 0.012). Current follow-up for this patient population exceeds 58 months.


CONCLUSIONS
In the present investigation, 12 cycles of single agent paclitaxel maintenance therapy were associated with improved patient PFS and OS benefits. Despite contradictory reports, paclitaxel-based maintenance therapy may favorably impact both PFS and OS in advanced ovarian cancer patients who obtain a complete response to primary induction chemotherapy.
Abaid
Lisa N
LN
Gynecologic Oncology Associates, Hoag Cancer Center, Newport Beach, CA 92663, USA.
Goldstein
Bram H
BH
Micha
John P
JP
Rettenmaier
Mark A
MA
Brown
John V
JV
Markman
Maurie
M
D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015996:Survival Rate; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D017239:Paclitaxel