A phase II trial of combination irinotecan and oral etoposide chemotherapy in recurrent ovarian cancer: A Tohoku Gynecologic Cancer Unit (TGCU) study

Abstract

5558 Background: Various problems still exist in the management of recurrent ovarian cancer and there are limited treatment options especially for the platinum resistant patients (pts). We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination irinotecan/oral etoposide chemotherapy. Methods: Eligibility criteria included recurrent ovarian cancer with measurable disease or positive CA125, preserved organ function, and aged 20–75. Treatment was conducted with irinotecan (60 mg/m2 iv, day 1, 15) and oral etoposide (50 mg/body day 1–21), q 28 days until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary endpoint was response rate (RR) and secondary endpoints included toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Results: 38pts were enrolled on this study from May 2003 to April 2007, and all pts were eligible. Median age was 57 yrs (range 37–74). PS 0 in 24 pts, 1 in 10 pts, and 2 in 4 pts. Median number of previous regimen was 2 (range 1–4). Median treatment cycles were 6 (range 2–27). RR (CR+PR) was 18/38 (47.4%), and CR+PR+SD rate was 31/38 (81.6%). Grade 3/4 adverse effect included leukopenia (50.0%), neutropenia (52.6%), anemia (18.4%) and thrombocytopenia (2.6%), nausea/vomiting (7.9%) and diarrhea (2.6%). Treatment-related death was not observed. Median PFS was 7 months (range 1–33) and OS was 19 months (range 4–60). Among 20 pts with platinum resistant cases, RR was 6/20 (30.0%), CR+PR+SD rate was 14/20 (70.0%), median PFS was 6 months (range 1–33), and OS was 24 months (range 5–60). Conclusions: Combination irinotecan/oral etoposide chemotherapy can achieve a superior management for the recurrent ovarian cancer without declining QOL, and also has the possibility to be one of the most effective regimens as second-line chemotherapy. No significant financial relationships to disclose.