Comparison of pulsed actinomycin D versus 5-day methotrexate for the treatment of low-risk gestational trophoblastic disease

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of 2 standard chemotherapy regimens for low-risk gestational trophoblastic disease according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system.

Methods: From 2008 until 2010, 75 women with low-risk gestational trophoblastic disease received either pulsed actinomycin D (n=50) or 5-day methotrexate (n=25). The primary remission rate, the duration of treatment, the number of treatment courses, and the adverse effects were compared.

Results: The complete remission rates were 90% for the actinomycin D group and 68% for the methotrexate group (P=0.018). The mean number of chemotherapy courses administered to achieve complete remission (including courses of second-line therapy) was 3.1 in the methotrexate group and 5.3 in the actinomycin D group (P=0.01). No major adverse effects were experienced in either treatment group and there were no significant differences in terms of adverse effects. Second-line chemotherapy was indicated for 11 patients.

Conclusion: Based on the present study, pulsed actinomycin D seems to be an appropriate first-line treatment for patients with low-risk gestational trophoblastic disease.