High-dose cyclophosphamide followed by cisplatinum in the treatment of ovarian cancer

Abstract

Twenty patients with previously untreated ovarian cancer received intensive chemotherapy after initial surgery. Treatment comprised two courses of cyclophosphamide at 7 g/m2 with mesna, re-evaluation with second-look laparotomy where appropriate, followed by five courses of cisplatin at 100 mg/m2. Three patients achieved pathologically documented complete remission (PDCR) with high-dose cyclophosphamide, and eight patients achieved partial remission. Fifteen patients went on to receive cisplatin. Nine of these patients had no assessable disease; of six patients who were assessed for response two achieved PDCR and three achieved partial remission. The overall response rate to the sequential regimen was 14/20 (70%). High-dose cyclophosphamide was associated with marked haematological toxicity, which was cumulative and fatal in two patients. The median duration of first remission was 14 months, and the median duration of survival was 20 months. It is concluded that sequential treatment with high-dose cyclophosphamide and cisplatin appears to be no more effective than conventional treatment in advanced ovarian cancer, judging by the PDCR rate and median survival achieved.