Combined high-dose carboplatin and cisplatin, and ifosfamide in previously untreated ovarian cancer patients with residual disease.

Carboplatin 200 mg/m2 day 1, cisplatin 50 mg/m2 days 2 and 3, ifosfamide 1,500 mg/m2 days 1 to 3, and mesna 900 mg/m2 days 1 to 3 every 4 weeks for six cycles were given to 37 previously untreated ovarian cancer patients with residual disease after the primary laparotomy. The median observation time was 17+ months (range, 9+ to 24+ months). Of all the patients, 81% had primary residual disease larger than 2 cm. The overall pathologic response rate (pathologic complete response [PCR] plus partial response [PPR]) in 36 assessable patients was 58%, PCR was 42%. Of the PCR patients, 53% had primary residual tumor larger than 5 cm. The substantial hematologic toxicity was manageable, but also the main reason for dose modifications. During treatment, 92% and 100% of the patients developed WBC and platelet nadir values corresponding to World Health Organization (WHO) grades 3 to 4. Dose-limiting encephalopathy, nephro- and neurotoxicity each occurred in 6% of the patients. The high PCR rate warrants further investigations of combined high-dose platinum and ifosfamide.