Use of liposome encapsulated doxorubicin citrate (LEDC) as a valid drug in patients affected by ovarian cancer suffering from chemotherapy side-effects.

Abstract

e15547 Background: Doxorubicin had a wide spectrum of cytotoxic activity in gynecological cancer. Moreover, this drug is associated with chronic cardiac toxicity, often irreversible, which limits lifetime dose. A new liposomal formulations has been developed in the past decades to limite side-effects of doxorubicin: liposome encapsulated doxorubicin citrate (LEDC). In this study we report our experience with LEDC in patients affected by advanced/recurrent gynaecological cancer, suffering from chemotherapy side effects. Methods: From 2000 to December 2008, 43 patients who showed palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) during adjuvant or palliative setting treatment of metastatic/recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. All patients enrolled in the study were treated with liposomal encapsulated doxorubicin citrate (LEDC), administered at the dose of 50 mg/mq every 3 weeks until disease progression or adverse effects. Results: We have enrolled 43 patients who suspended previously chemotherapy treatment for severe PPE. A total of 32 patients completed planned 6 cycles of chemotherapy. After 6 cycles of chemotherapy 3 out of 43 patients (6%) continued to show a complete response, 9 patients (20%) maintained partial response, 16 patients (37%) showed stable disease and 4 patients (9%) suffered disease progression. No severe G3–G4 hematologic toxicity was showed, but neutropenia and anemia continued to be the most common side effects. No cutaneous toxicity were reported. Conclusions: LEDC is a well tolerated drug and a valid alternative in patients affected by ovarian cancer suffering from cutaneous toxicity by other drugs.