Phase II trial of bevacizumab in persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer or primary peritoneal cancer: a Gynecologic Oncology Group Study

Abstract

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seems to be a promoter of tumor progression for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and primary peritoneal cancer (PPC). We conducted a phase II trial to assess the efficacy and tolerability of single-agent bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody.

Patients and methods: Eligible patients had persistent or recurrent EOC/PPC after one to two prior cytotoxic regimens, measurable disease, and Gynecologic Oncology Group performance status of at least 2. Treatment consisted of bevacizumab 15 mg/kg intravenously every 21 days until disease progression or prohibitive toxicity. Primary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) at 6 months and clinical response.

Results: The study consisted of 62 eligible and assessable patients, median age 57 years, 41 (66.1%) having received two prior regimens and 36 (58.1%) [CORRECTED] considered platinum resistant. Grade 3 adverse events at least possibly related to bevacizumab were hematologic (1), GI (3), hypertension (6), thromboembolism (1), allergy (2), hepatic (1), pain (3), coagulation (1), constitutional (1), and dyspnea (1). Grade 4 adverse events included pulmonary embolus (1), vomiting and constipation (1), and proteinuria (1). Thirteen patients (21.0%) experienced clinical responses (two complete, 11 partial; median response duration, 10 months), and 25 (40.3%) survived progression free for at least 6 months. Median PFS and overall survival were 4.7 and 17 months, respectively. There was no significant association of prior platinum sensitivity, age, number of prior chemotherapeutic regimens, or performance status with the hazard of progression or death.

Conclusion: Bevacizumab seems to be well tolerated and active in the second- and third-line treatment of patients with EOC/PPC and merits phase III investigation.