The "Leuven" paclitaxel/carboplatin weekly regimen in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer, a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the "Leuven" weekly paclitaxel/carboplatinum (TC) regimen in recurrent ovarian cancer in a retrospective study.

METHODS: Eighteen courses of paclitaxel (60mg/m(2)) and carboplatinum (AUC 2.7) were administered weekly. Platinum-resistance was defined as progression during or within 6months after platinum-based chemotherapy.

RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included with a median number of prior treatment regimens of 4 (range 0-10). Forty-three patients were platinum resistant and 20 were platinum sensitive (14 intermediate sensitive and 5 sensitive). One patient in the platinum resistant group and 2 patients in the platinum sensitive group achieved complete remission, 15 patients in the platinum resistant and 5 patients in the platinum sensitive group achieved partial remission according to RECIST. In the entire patient population evaluable for response (n=62), the median progression free survival (PFS) was 6.7months; the median overall survival (OS) was 9.7months. Median PFS was 6months for the platinum resistant and 8months for the platinum sensitive group. The median OS was 9months in the platinum resistant and 11months in the platinum sensitive group. Toxicity was mostly bone marrow related with neutropenia grade 3/4 in 67% and neutropenic fever in 6% of patients. Dose reduction was necessary in 24% of patients. Nausea, vomiting and fatigue were the most frequent non-hematological side effects.

CONCLUSION: Weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin is an effective regimen for patients with recurrence of ovarian cancer with a response rate of 37% in platinum resistant disease and a manageable toxicity profile.