Ovarian Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Ovarian Cancer, including details on symptoms, causes, treatment, information.

Bevacizumab and weekly taxane chemotherapy demonstrates activity in refractory ovarian cancer.

Cohn DE, Valmadre S, Resnick KE, Eaton LA, Copeland LJ, Fowler JM

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, 320 West 10th Avenue, M-210 Starling Loving Hall, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. David.Cohn@osumc.edu

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of patients to be treated with biweekly bevacizumab and weekly taxane chemotherapy in women with advanced, refractory ovarian cancer. METHODS: Ten patients with advanced, recurrent, and refractory ovarian cancer who were treated with biweekly bevacizumab (10 mg/kg) and weekly taxane (paclitaxel or docetaxel) chemotherapy days 1, 8, 15, and 22 every 28 days were identified retrospectively. All patients were followed with serial CA125 measurements prior to each cycle of therapy; cross-sectional imaging was not used to follow response to therapy. Toxicities were assessed prior to each cycle of treatment. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients treated with weekly taxane and biweekly bevacizumab therapy, all 9 that were evaluable had a decrease in CA125. Five patients have had an increase in CA125 after therapy after a median of three cycles (range 1-4), while 3 patients experienced normalization of CA125 and another with continued improvement in CA125. All symptomatic patients experienced rapid palliation of pain, nausea, and ascites. Side effects have been mild, with no grade 3 or 4 toxicities noted. No treatment delays or discontinuations have been necessary. CONCLUSION: Treatment of advanced, recurrent, refractory epithelial ovarian cancer with bevacizumab and weekly taxane chemotherapy leads to significant, albeit temporary, improvement in the cancer-related symptoms in women treated on this regimen, and short-term exposure to these agents is not associated with significant toxicity. Thus, continued investigation of bevacizumab with weekly scheduling of cytotoxic chemotherapy is imperative.

Published 18 July 2006 in Gynecol Oncol, 102(2): 134-9.
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