Abstract
One-hundred and fifty-five patients with chemotherapy-resistant recurrent ovarian carcinoma were treated with the antiestrogen tamoxifen (30 mg or 40 mg daily). In the 65 patients evaluable for response there were two complete responders and two partial responders (6%). Disease was stabilized in the majority of evaluable patients (77%). Median survival time after initiation of tamoxifen treatment for the 155 patients was 3.8 months (95% CI: 3.3–5.4), and estimated 5-year survival rate was 2%. Survival of patients after initiation of tamoxifen was dependent on histologic classification (clear cell carcinoma vs other), FIGO stage, and patient's age. Tumor differentiation, number of prior chemotherapeutic regimens, response to prior cisplatin treatment, classification of tumor regarding platinum-sensitivity, prior radiotherapy, and dose of tamoxifen were not statistically significant prognostic factors. Tamoxifen therapy has limited efficacy in refractory ovarian carcinoma. However, considering the mild toxicity of tamoxifen, occasional long-term palliation, and lack of alternatives the drug serves a useful role in heavily pretreated patients with ovarian cancer.
Published Version
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