Adriamycin, BCNU, and cyclophosphamide in drug-resistant adenocarcinoma of the ovary.

Because of an encouraging response rate in a pilot study of adriamycin, BCNU, and cyclophosphamide (ABC), the Southeastern Cancer Study Group conducted a phase II study of ABC in patients with melphalan-resistant ovarian carcinoma. Of 36 evaluable patients, there were only 4 partial responses to therapy, for a partial response rate of 11%. Durations of response were 4 to 50 + weeks, and the overall median survival was 29 weeks. No complete responses were seen. Dose-limiting toxicity was granulocytopenia. We conclude that ABC is generally ineffective in management of alkylator-resistant ovarian adenocarcinoma.