3-Hour infusion of single-agent paclitaxel for recurrent ovarian cancer

Background. The clinical response, survival, and toxicity of a 3-h infusion of single-agent paclitaxel (175 mg/m²) for Japanese patients with recurrent ovarian cancer were investigated. We also examined whether or not cancer antigen (CA) 125 would be suitable as an indicator of the effects of the paclitaxel on ovarian cancer. Methods. Twenty-one patients clinically diagnosed as having recurrent ovarian cancer met the entry criteria, agreed to participate in this study, and received the treatment. Results. One hundred and twenty-six courses were administered to the 21 patients. One patient achieved a complete response, and 5 a partial response; the overall response rate was 35.3%. Using CA125 criteria, 42.1% of patients achieved a response. The median progression-free interval was 4.4 months, and the median overall survival time was 14.5 months. While hematological toxicity was not severe, 3 patients experienced severe peripheral neuropathy, and 2 patients experienced grade 4 myalgia/arthralgia. Conclusion. The 3-h infusion of single-agent paclitaxel (175 mg/m²) was an effective treatment for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. CA125 was a useful indicator of the response to the treatment. While peripheral neuropathy and the myalgia/arthralgia were severe, 3-h infusion of single-agent paclitaxel offers a promising treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer. Received: December 11, 2000 / Accepted: March 30, 2001