Single-agent paclitaxel in patients with previously untreated stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer. London Gynaecological Oncology and North Thames Gynaecological Oncology Groups.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of high-dose paclitaxel in patients with previously untreated stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer. Paclitaxel was administered intravenously over 3 h at a dose of 225 mg m(-2) on a 21-day cycle for six courses. Thirty-six patients were entered into this study; all 36 were assessed for toxicity and 33 patients were evaluable for response. One patient had a complete response and 12 patients had partial responses (overall response rate 39.4%, 95% CI 23-58%). The overall median duration of response was 9 months (range 3.5-23+ months). The response rate to carboplatin following failure of paclitaxel within 1 year of stopping therapy was 57% (four out of seven patients). The median survival of patients was 17.2 months. The main toxicity encountered was neutropenia which was WHO grade 3 in 11 patients (31%) and WHO grade 4 in seven patients (19%). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) was not given to any patient during the study. Other toxicities were: grade 3/4 infection (11%) and nausea and vomiting (11%); grade 3 bone pain (22%), fatigue (14%), diarrhoea (3%), myalgia/arthralgia (3%) and dry eyes (3%). Transient peripheral neuropathy occurred in 16 patients (44%), and alopecia was encountered in most patients (grade 2/3, 78%). Paclitaxel given at 225 mg m(-2) to patients with stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer is active, well tolerated and does not require GCSF support.