Treatment of relapsed carcinoma of the ovary with single-agent paclitaxel following exposure to paclitaxel and platinum employed as initial therapy.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of paclitaxel to achieve a second clinical response in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma who responded to standard therapy with platinum and paclitaxel in the initial setting.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with epithelial ovarian who demonstrated a complete response to paclitaxel and platinum in the initial treatment setting were retreated with paclitaxel as a single agent for relapse of their disease. Paclitaxel was given at a dose of 135-175 mg/m(2) over 3 h at 21-day intervals. Fifteen patients had platinum-resistant disease and 19 had potentially platinum-sensitive disease. Response was documented by physical examination, serial serum CA125 measurement, or radiologic evaluation.

RESULTS

An objective response to paclitaxel retreatment was demonstrated in 15 patients (44%), with a median progression-free interval (PFI) of 8.6 months (range 4-17 months). An additional 14 patients (41%) demonstrated disease stabilization, with a median PFI of 7.4 months (range 3-13 months). Overall, retreatment with paclitaxel was well tolerated, with minimal cumulative toxicities, despite repetitive dosing.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that patients with ovarian cancer who relapse after initial treatment with paclitaxel often have disease that is still responsive to the agent. Given its relative lack of cumulative toxicity, retreatment with paclitaxel as a single agent is a reasonable therapeutic option for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.