Combination chemotherapy with carboplatin, paclitaxel and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin for advanced or recurrent carcinosarcoma of the uterus: Clinical experience of a single institution

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the activity and toxicity of carboplatin, paclitaxel and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin combination in advanced or recurrent of the uterine carcinosarcoma. Methods Twenty-nine eligible patients with measurable disease were treated with carboplatin [area under the curve (AUC) 5], paclitaxel 175mg/m 2 and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 25 mg/m 2 every 3 weeks for 6–8 cycles. Results There were 10 complete responses (CRs) (34%) and 8 partial responses (PRs) (28%) for an overall response rate (RR) of 62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 43–81%). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.2 months (95% CI, 4.1–12.2 months) and the median overall survival (OS) was 16.4 months (95% CI, 14.7–18.0 months). There was no statistically significant difference between histology and response to therapy. Patients with PS of 0 or 1 had a higher RR than those with worst PS. Toxicity was generally mild except for myelotoxicity. Neutropenia grade 3/4 was recorded in 52% of patients and 10% experienced febrile neutropenia. Anemia grade 3 or 4 developed in 27% of patients and thrombocytopenia grade 3 or 4 in 31% of patients. Three patients (10%) developed grade 3 sensory neuropathy and only 2 patients (8%) grade 3 palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesias. No treatment-related deaths were recorded in our series. Conclusion The combination of carboplatin, paclitaxel and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin appears to have activity in advanced, persistent or recurrent endometrial carcinosarcoma with an acceptable toxicity profile.