How long is it possible to continue the chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer?

Abstract

5126 Background: Although the majority of women with advanced ovarian cancer will recur, there is no standard regimen for these patients. We evaluated toxicity and number of chemotherapy courses for recurrent ovarian cancer. Methods: Since 1991, sixty-five patients with recurrent ovarian cancer have received chemotherapy. Of 65 patients, 16 women had more than 10 courses of same regimen of paclitaxel or carboplatin as the second or the third or the forth line chemotherapy. Retrospective chart view was performed and clinical data obtained. Toxicity and disease status were assessed in all patients. Results: Median age of the patients is 57 y.o.( range 35 to 69). Eleven patients had platinum based chemotherapy without paclitaxel and 5 patients received platinum plus paclitaxel chemothrapy as the first line therapy. Median interval from the end of the first line chemotherapy to recurrence was 12 months (range 1–108 months). Three patients received single agent carboplatin for 12, 23 and 63+ courses. Fourteen patients received 10 to 52+ courses of paclitaxel (median 17). Nine patients received paclitaxel and carboplatin altanatively. The median follow-up duration was 41 months (range: 9–126). Eight patients are alive with disease and continuing chemotherapy. Conclusions: Today, we do not have standard regimen for recurrent ovarian cancer and many new drugs are under clinical study. At time of last follow up, upto 63 courses of carboplatin and upto 52 courses of paclitaxel therapy were possible. Carboplatin and paclitaxel is widely used as the first line chemotherapy and the toxicities are well known. Then these drugs are familiar and easy to use for clinicians. For some group of recurrent patients, those two drugs are also effective and tolerable to use for multiple courses as single agent for a long duration and contribute to prolongate these patients life. No significant financial relationships to disclose.