Docetaxel and oxaliplatin in the second-line treatment of platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer: a phase II study

Background: A prospective phase II study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination docetaxel (Taxotere) (DTX) and oxaliplatin (OXA) in ovarian cancer patients recurring after a platinum-free interval (PFI) >12 months. Patients and methods: DTX, 75 mg/m 2 , was administered by 60 min i.v. infusion, followed by OXA, 100 mg/m 2 , given by a 2 h i.v., on day 1 every 21 days. Results: From October 2003 to June 2006, 43 ovarian cancer patients were enrolled. Median PFI was 26 months. All patients were available for response evaluation: 17 complete responses and 12 partial responses were registered, for an overall response rate of 67.4%. The median response duration was 10 months. Stable disease was documented in 11 patients (median duration = 5.5 months). The median time to progression and overall survival were 14 and 28 months. A total of 259 courses were administered. Grade 3-4 leukopenia was documented in 32.5% of the patients, while no case of severe anemia and thrombocytopenia was observed. Grade 3-4 neurotoxicity and grade 2 alopecia were observed in 9.3% and 34.9% of cases, respectively. Conclusion: DTX/OXA combination is an active regimen with a favorable toxicity profile, for treatment of recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer patients.