The role of topotecan as second-line therapy in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer

Introduction: Up to 80% of patients with advanced ovarian cancer will recur following first-line platinum containing chemotherapy. Topotecan has recently been used as a second-line agent in treatment of advanced ovarian disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of topotecan on response rate and progression-free interval on patients with recurrent ovarian cancer who had been treated with platinum-containing first-line chemotherapy.

Methods: A retrospective review of all cases of recurrent ovarian cancer treated with topotecan was done. Response was determined using radiologic reports (CT scans, ultrasound scans), CA-125 level and the clinical evaluation. Response type was determined using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

Results: Between 1998-2000, a total of 43 patients were treated with topotecan. Median age was 57 (range 41-80), 40/43 patients had stage III and IV, 37/43 patients had Grade 3 tumors. Seventeen of 43 patients (39.5%) demonstrated stable disease and 9/43 (21%) patients demonstrated partial response. Median time to response was eight weeks, median progression-free interval was 31 weeks and median time of follow-up and survival was 48 weeks.

Conclusion: Topotecan is considered a reasonable option for treatment of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer that have failed previous treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.

Topotecan; Recurrent ovarian cancer and response

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