Combination chemotherapy of advanced ovarian cancer with hexamethylmelamine, cis-Platinum, and doxorubicin after failure of prior therapy.

Forty-nine women received a combination of cis-platinum and hexamethylmelamine (36 also received doxorubicin) for advanced ovarian cancer progressing after therapy that included an alkylating agent or extended field radiation. Twenty-six (53%) had an objective remission that lasted a median of 6 months from start of treatment. Response rate was independent of age, extent of prior therapy, and performance status. A long interval from initial diagnosis to entry, response to therapy, and ambulatory performance predicted improved survival from entry. No patient is surviving free of disease. Myelosuppression and vomiting were moderately severe but tolerable. Azotemia and peripheral neuropathy were infrequent and milk. These drugs have major activity in this poor-risk group and should be studied as part of initial therapy when enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity are to be expected.