The role of topotecan as second-line chemotherapy in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. |
Hea Yeon Lee, Jeong Won Lee, Woo Sun Kim, Sun Joo Lee, Byoung Gie Kim, Je Ho Lee, Duk Soo Bae |
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVE Topotecan has recently been used as a second-line agent in treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. The aim of the study was to evaluate the response rate and toxicities of topotecan in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who had been treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy. METHODS: A retrospective review of all cases of recurrent ovarian cancer treated with topotecan was done. Response was evaluated using the clinical examination, CA-125 level and radiologic reports (CT, MRI) according to RECIST criteria. The toxicities were evaluated according to GOG criteria. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2004, 57 patients were treated with topotecan for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. The response rate in platinum-sensitive group was 30.8% (4/13) and the response rate in platinum-resistant group was 15.9% (7/44). The response rate in topotecan alone therapy group was 8.0% (2/25), and the response rate in topotecan plus platinum combination therapy group was 28.1% (9/32). However, topotecan plus platinum combination therapy did not demonstrate a statistically significant trend toward greater median survival than topotecan alone therapy (19.2 month versus 17.2 month, P=0.82). Neutropenia above grade 3 was noted in 70%, and anemia above grade 3 in 36.8%, and thrombocytopenia above grade 3 in 47.3%. Although most severe toxicities were due to bone marrow suppression, they were adequately managed by supportive care. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that topotecan has moderate activity in the recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who have failed previous treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. The response of topotecan plus platinum combination therapy was better than topotecan alone and the potential of other combination regimen deserves further evaluations. |
Key Words:
Topotecan, Recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, Second-line chemotherapy |
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