Weekly topotecan for recurrent platinum resistant ovarian cancer

Fadi Abushahin, Diljeet K. Singh, John R. Lurain, Edward C. Grendys, Alfred W. Rademaker, Julian C. Schink*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective.: To evaluate toxicity, response and progression-free survival of weekly topotecan chemotherapy in women with primary and secondary platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer. Methods.: A retrospective analysis of 69 patients who received weekly topotecan with a median dose of 3.75 on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle treated between November 2002 and May 2005. All patients had recurrent epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal or tubal cancer with primary or secondary resistance to platinum. Disease response was evaluated by CA-125 levels, physical exam, and when appropriate, imaging studies. Toxicity was evaluated using the NCI Common Toxicity Criteria. Results.: Response to topotecan therapy was noted in 14 of 69 patients (20.3%); (complete response 7.3%, and partial response 13%). Stable disease was noted in 23 patients (33.3%) and progression of disease occurred in 31 patients (44.9%). Two patients (2.8%) had significant side effects that warranted discontinuation of therapy. There was no significant difference in response to therapy between patients with primary or secondary platinum resistance. A total of 229 cycles was given with a median of 3 (range 1-12) cycles per patient. Grades 3 and 4 myelosuppression was rare: 1 cycle (0.4%) with grade 3 leukopenia, 16 cycles (7%) with grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, 1 cycle (0.4%) with grade 3 anemia, and 2 cycles (0.9%) with grade 3 thrombocytopenia. No patient was admitted with neutropenic fever. The median progression-free survival for responders was 5.7 months (2-16.75). Conclusions.: Weekly topotecan is a well-tolerated and effective regimen for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer with considerable less hematological toxicity when compared with historical data for the 5-day regimen.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)53-57
Number of pages5
JournalGynecologic oncology
Volume108
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2008

Keywords

  • Ovarian cancer chemotherapy
  • Platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
  • Weekly topotecan

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Oncology

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