Phase II trial of weekly docetaxel for patients with relapsed ovarian cancer who have previously received paclitaxel—ANZGOG 02-01

Objective.To determine the response rate of weekly docetaxel in women with relapsed epithelial ovarian cancer previously treated with paclitaxel and at least one line of platinum-based chemotherapy.Methods.In this multi-center phase II trial, 37 patients with relapsed disease were enrolled and treated with weekly docetaxel at 35 mg/m for 5 out of 6 consecutive weeks. Two patient cohorts were considered, those who progressed or relapsed within 4 months (N = 7) or at greater than 4 months (N = 30) from the time of completing their last course of paclitaxel.Results.Patients in both cohorts received a median of 2 cycles of treatment (range; 1–4). In evaluable patients, the combined overall response rate, using both CA125 and RECIST response criteria was 18.9% (7/37; 95% CI; 10–34%). The combined overall progression-free survival was 3.1 months (95% CI; 2.5–3.8), and the combined overall survival was 12.3 months (95% CI; 8.2–16.4). Treatment was generally well tolerated with the only grade 4 toxicity being skin toxicity (3%). The most common grade 3 toxicities were fatigue (14%) and watery eyes (8%) with grade 3 neutropenia observed in only 5% of patients.Conclusion.Weekly docetaxel is well tolerated and has activity in patients with relapsed ovarian cancer previously treated with platinum and paclitaxel.