J Gynecol Oncol.  2018 Nov;29(6):e96. 10.3802/jgo.2018.29.e96.

Weekly versus 3-weekly paclitaxel in combination with carboplatin in advanced ovarian cancer: which is the optimal adjuvant chemotherapy regimen?

• Lee MX
• Tan DS

• KMID: 2431241
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3802/jgo.2018.29.e96

Abstract

The 3-weekly regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel is the backbone of first line adjuvant chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer. The landmark Japanese Gynaecologic Oncology Group (JGOG) 3016 study demonstrated significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival with dose dense weekly administration of paclitaxel in combination with 3-weekly carboplatin. However, efforts to replicate these benefits have failed in subsequent phase III trials. Weekly paclitaxel is purported to have enhanced antitumor activity, with stronger anti-angiogenic effects, and yet is better tolerated. In this review, we explore the rationale for dose dense weekly paclitaxel, and compare the relevant trials as well as quality of life considerations. Possible reasons for the difference in outcomes between the JGOG 3016 and other studies are reviewed, with a focus on how the addition of bevacizumab, the variations between histological and molecular subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancers, and ethnic pharmacogenetic differences may potentially affect the efficacy of dose dense paclitaxel.

Keyword

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer; Paclitaxel; Chemotherapy; Pharmacogenetics

MeSH Terms

Bevacizumab
Carboplatin*
Chemotherapy, Adjuvant*
Disease-Free Survival
Drug Therapy
Humans
Ovarian Neoplasms*
Paclitaxel*
Pharmacogenetics
Quality of Life
Bevacizumab
Carboplatin
Paclitaxel