A reappraisal of the role of chlorambucil in patients with end stage ovarian cancer who have previously been treated with platinum regimens

The role of chlorambucil in end stage platinum resistant epithelial ovarian cancer was evaluated in women with end stage ovarian cancer. They had rece ived platinum based chemotherapy and all other intravenous chemotherapeutic options had been exhausted. Over a 15 year period, 30 patients were identi fied. The median age was 64.5 years (range 45-81). The median number of chl orambucil pulses was 4 (range 1-16). The median survival following the intr oduction of chlorambucil was 5.5 months (range 0.72 - 38.8). The 22 patient s who survived for longer than three months were significantly younger than those who did no (p = 0.03). Apart from two patients who developed transie nt myelosuppression there were no toxic side effects. Chlorambucil should b e considered as a therapeutic option in end stage ovarian cancer. It is has minimal toxicity, and can be prescribed safely for long term use. In young er women, an increase in benefit may be anticipated.