Improved Overall Survival with 12 Cycles of Single-Agent Paclitaxel Maintenance Therapy following a Complete Response to Induction Chemotherapy in Advanced Ovarian Carcinoma

Abstract

Objectives: Previously reported studies have suggested that maintenance therapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer may provide progression-free survival (PFS) benefits, although they have not discerned a similar impact on patient overall survival (OS). Methods: We examined the long-term PFS and OS of a previous study population consecutively treated with either 3 cycles (group A; n = 13 patients) or 12 cycles (group B; n = 13) of paclitaxel (135 mg/m²; Q21 days) maintenance therapy. Eligible patients received maintenance chemotherapy following a complete response to 6 cycles of primary induction chemotherapy, comprising 6 cycles of carboplatin (AUC = 5), paclitaxel (175 mg/m²), and gemcitabine (800 mg/m²) per protocol. Results: There were statistically significant PFS differences between group A (12 months) and group B (24 months) (p = 0.016). Moreover, the OS in group A was 38 months and 80 months for group B (p = 0.012). Current follow-up for this patient population exceeds 58 months. Conclusions: In the present investigation, 12 cycles of single agent paclitaxel maintenance therapy were associated with improved patient PFS and OS benefits. Despite contradictory reports, paclitaxel-based maintenance therapy may favorably impact both PFS and OS in advanced ovarian cancer patients who obtain a complete response to primary induction chemotherapy.