Second-line chemotherapy of epithelial ovarian cancer.

Despite the high objective response rate of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer to front-line chemotherapy, the majority of women with this condition ultimately progress or recur after achieving an initial response and are potential candidates for a second-line treatment approach. A number of antineoplastic agents have demonstrated sufficient biological activity to be considered a rational treatment strategy in this clinical setting. In selecting an 'optimal' management approach for a particular patient the oncologist must consider a number of issues, including the toxicity of the available drugs, the side effects previously experienced by the individual, convenience, cost and patient choice.