Experience with single-agent paclitaxel consolidation following primary chemotherapy with carboplatin, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine in advanced ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE: Twelve cycles of single-agent paclitaxel have been demonstrated to prolong progression-free survival in women with advanced ovarian cancer whom achieved a clinical complete response to a primary platinum/paclitaxel chemotherapy regimen. This trial was conducted to compare the toxicity and disease-free interval of 3 cycles vs. 12 cycles of paclitaxel consolidation in patients treated with an intensive three-drug front-line regimen of carboplatin, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine. METHODS: Following cytoreductive surgery, 26 ovarian cancer patients received primary chemotherapy with carboplatin (AUC = 5, day 1), paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2) over 1 h, day 1), and gemcitabine (800 mg/m(2), day 1 day 8), with treatment repeated every 21 days x 6 cycles. The first 13 patients (group A) received three additional cycles of paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2) over 1 h every 21 days). The second set of 13 patients (group B) also received three cycles of paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2) over 1 h every 21 days) and then received nine additional cycles of paclitaxel (135 mg/m(2) over 1 h every 21 days) consolidation therapy. The change from 3 cycles to 12 cycles of consolidation therapy for group B was made following the published results of GOG 178. RESULTS: In group A, all 13 patients completed three courses of consolidation therapy. One patient experienced grade 3 neutropenia and two patients exhibited both grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Grade > or = 2 neuropathy developed in 3 patients (23%). In group B, 9 of the 13 patients whom were intended to receive 12 total cycles of paclitaxel consolidation were able to complete the program. There was no grade 3-4 neutropenia or anemia in this population, although 1 patient developed grade 3 thrombocytopenia. Grade > or = 2 neuropathy developed in 7 patients (54%). Although not a randomized experience, median progression-free interval was 76 weeks for group B, and 47 weeks for group A. CONCLUSION: Single-agent paclitaxel consolidation therapy can be administered for 12 cycles following first-line carboplatin, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine induction therapy, but there is considerable risk for development of a moderately severe peripheral neuropathy.