Current clinical practices for ovarian cancers.

Ovarian cancer is one of the most aggressive gynecologic cancers. It shows its symptoms late and is consequently often diagnosed at an advanced stage. The search for a more effective chemotherapy regimen, therefore, is of great importance. Since 1996, the combination of cisplatin and paclitaxel has been proven to prolong survival in comparison with older regimens containing cisplatin and cyclophosphamide. In addition, the introduction of carboplatin in combination with paclitaxel showed similar efficacy but preferable toxicity profiles when compared with cisplatin in combination with paclitaxel. Representative studies evaluating paclitaxel combination therapies as well as new trends in the treatment of ovarian cancer are summarized in this article. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.