Oxaliplatin and paclitaxel combination in patients with platinum-pretreated ovarian carcinoma: An investigator-originated compassionate-use experience

Purpose: Compassionate-use oxaliplatin-paclitaxel was assessed for toxicity and efficacy according to clinical platinum resistance status in cisplatin -carboplatin-pretreated advanced ovarian cancer patients. Patients and methods: Thirty-seven patients, retrospectively grouped into f our oxaliplatin-paclitaxel dose levels (mg/m(2)): (DL1: 100/135; DL2: 130-1 35/135; DL3: 100/160-175; DL4: 130-135/160-175), received oxaliplatin and p aclitaxel every three to four weeks. Results: Thirty-one of thirty-seven treated patients were evaluable for act ivity, with 1 complete and 14 partial responses, (objective response rate: 48%, 95% CI: 31-66). Of 18 platinum-resistant patients 6 responded, and of 13 platinum-sensitive patients, 9 responded. One patient (3%) had two febri le neutropenia episodes, and eight (22%) and eleven patients (30%) had grad es 3 and 4 neutropenia, respectively. Six patients (16%) experienced grade 3 peripheral neuropathy. The median response duration was 10.8 months, with a 23-month (range 8-54) median follow-up. Median progression-free and over all survivals were 9 months (95% CI: 7-12), and 25.2 months (95% CI: 12-39) , respectively. Conclusions: The antitumour activity of oxaliplatin-paclitaxel in platinum- resistant ovarian cancer patients accords with experimental data on the age nts' lack of cross-resistance. Time-related progression parameters confirm it as a promising salvage treatment option.