Topotecan for Treatment of Platinum-Resistant Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: the Experience at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecological neoplasms in the United States. Despite advances in initial therapy, most patients eventually develop progressive disease and require further treatment. Topotecan, an active drug used for the treatment of patients with ovarian disease, has been used at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. The aim of the present study was to describe such clinical cases. Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study with review of files of patients with recurrent platinum-refractory ovarian cancer. Patients had received topotecan as second-line therapy from January 2003 to December 2005 at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. Results: Thirty one patients were eligible. After a median follow-up of twelve months (range 3-36), progression-free survival was four months (95%CI: 2.1-5.8) and overall survival was 14 months (95%CI: 5.1-22.8). The most common form of progression was locoregional, found in 22 patients (81.5%). Clinical response was achieved in 45.2% of patients, while the biochemical and radiological response rates were 25.8% and 20.0%, respectively. Conclusion: Topotecan proved to be an effective therapy in this group of patients. The response rate, progression-free survival, and overall survival were comparable to those observed in randomized trials.