The activity of taxanes compared with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin in the treatment of sex cord-stromal ovarian tumors

Abstract

Objective We compared the efficacy and side effects of taxanes, with or without platinum, to bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) in treating sex cord-stromal ovarian tumors. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with sex cord-stromal ovarian tumors seen at our institution from 1985 to 2002. Eligible patients were those who underwent pathologic confirmation, clinical evaluation, and treatment with a taxane or BEP for initial or recurrent disease. Results Of 222 patients identified, 21 received BEP for new ( n = 11) or recurrent disease ( n = 10); 44 received a taxane during 48 treatment episodes (four patients on two occasions each) for new ( n = 11) or recurrent disease ( n = 37). Newly diagnosed patients treated with BEP vs. taxanes had no significant difference in response rate (Fisher's exact test, P = 1), progression-free survival (PFS) (log-rank test, P = 0.213), or overall survival (log-rank test, P = 0.994). Among patients treated for recurrent measurable disease, the response rate was higher for BEP-treated (71%) than for taxane-treated patients (37%), but this was not statistically significant. In all patients treated for recurrent disease, there was no significant difference in failure to progress at chemotherapy completion between BEP- (70%) and taxane-treated patients (62%) or in median PFS (11.2 vs. 7.2 months). The presence of platinum in taxane-containing regimens correlated with response. Taxane-related side effects included neutropenia ( n = 6), anemia ( n = 1), thrombocytopenia ( n = 1), myelodysplasia ( n = 1), and hypersensitivity ( n = 1). BEP-related side effects included pulmonary fibrosis ( n = 3) and neutropenia ( n = 2). Conclusions Taxanes demonstrated activity against sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary and may be less toxic than BEP. Taxane and platinum combination chemotherapy warrants further investigation in this disease.