Clinical experience of using docetaxel-cisplatin in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer: A Bangladesh perspective

15070 Background: Docetaxel is an active agent in the treatment of recurrent advanced ovarian cancer. We conducted a multi-center phase II study to evaluate the response rate, toxicity and survival of docetaxel-cisplatin regimen as first-line treatment of advanced ovarian cancer in Bangladeshi population. Methods: Forty chemotherapy-naïve patients of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer were recruited between October 1999 to March 2002. Eligibility criteria included stage Ic-IV patients, age 18–75 years, an ECOG performance status of 0–3 with adequate hepatic, renal and bone marrow function. Docetaxel 60 mg/m2 as 1 hour IV infusion and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 were given on day 1 every 3 weeks for a maximum of 6 cycles (average 5 cycles). Tumor responses and toxicities were evaluated by relevant investigations and survival was documented. Results: A total of 40 patients were enrolled. Median age was 44 years (age range 18–75 years). All the patients were evaluable for response. Overall response was observed in 32 patients (80%) with complete response rate 38% (12 patients), partial response rate 62% (20 patients). Stable disease was seen in 5 patients (12.5%) and progressive disease was in 3 patients (7.5%).Two years survival was documented in 62% patients. Toxicities were limited with grade 3 neutropenia in 10 patients (25%) and some non-hematological toxicities (including nausea, vomiting and fluid retention) in twenty-six patients (65%). No severe febrile neutropenia and no events of death were observed. Conclusions: The combination of docetaxel and cisplatin appears to be effective with manageable toxicities in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer in Bangladeshi population. No significant financial relationships to disclose.