Phase II study of high-dose paclitaxel in platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian cancer

The purposes of this study were to determine the efficacy of paclitaxel. us ing a dose of 200 mg/m(2) intravenous continuous infusion over 24 hours eve ry three: weeks in the treatement of platinum-refractory epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to evaluate the toxicities. Eligibility criteria included : histologically proven EOC. platinum resistance. measurable disease, Zubro d performance status grade 0-2. expected survival of > 3 months and adequat e hematological function. Response was assessed at three-cycle intervals or earlier if required. Twenty-one patients were recruited in this study. The response rate was 52% (2 CR. 9 PR) with a median duration of response of s ix months. The median progression-free interval uas eight months and the me dian survival was 12 months. Leukopenia was the predominant toxic effect. E ighty-six percent of patients required granulocyte-colony stimulation facto r. (G-CSF). All patients had alopecia grade 3. In conclusion, high-dose pac litaxel is active in platinum-refractory EOC with manageable toxicities.