This review examines the evidence for useful clinical activity of tamoxifen
in women with ovarian carcinoma who have failed conventional cytotoxic che
motherapy. The optimised search strategy of the Cochrane Gynaecological Can
cer Collaborative Review Group by Williams was used. Tamoxifen demonstrates
a modest degree of effectiveness in ovarian cancer refractory to cytotoxic
chemotherapy. The overall objective response rate in all trials (647 patie
nts) was approximately 11%. There is, however, a wide variation in the obje
ctive response rates in the different trials (0-56%). Tamoxifen therapy has
limited efficacy in refractory ovarian carcinoma. However, considering the
mild toxicity of tamoxifen, occasional long-term palliation and lack of al
ternatives, the drug has a useful role in heavily pretreated patients with
ovarian cancer. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.