RATIONALE FOR THE INTRAPERITONEAL ADMINISTRATION OF PACLITAXEL (TAXOL(R)) IN THE TREATMENT OF OVARIAN-CANCER

Paclitaxel (Taxol(R)) has several characteristics that make it an inte resting agent for intraperitoneal administration, including activity i n platinum-refractory ovarian cancer, cell cycle specificity for cytot oxicity, non-vesicant property, bulky structure, and metabolism in the liver. A recently completed phase I trial of intraperitoneal paclitax el has confirmed a >3-log pharmacokinetic advantage for peritoneal cav ity exposure compared with systemic compartment exposure. A phase II e fficacy trial of intraperitoneal paclitaxel in ovarian cancer patients failing front-line chemotherapy is planned by the Gynecologic Oncolog y Group.