Gefitinib in combination with paclitaxel (P) and carboplatin (C) as second-line therapy for ovarian, tubal or peritoneal adenocarcinoma: Final results of a phase II study
5566 Background: High EGFR expression occurs in 35–70% of primary ovarian tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis. This Phase II, open-label, non-comparative multicenter study investigated the efficacy and tolerability of gefitinib (Iressa) in combination with paclitaxel (P) and carboplatin (C) for second-line treatment of patients (pts) with ovarian, tubal or peritoneal adenocarcinoma. Methods: Women (>18 years) with platinum-resistant/refractory (relapsed <6 months after first-line platinum-based and P chemotherapy), or platinum-sensitive (relapsed >6 months) disease were enrolled. Pts received gefitinib (500 mg/day), P (175 mg/m2) and C (AUC 5) every 3 weeks for 6–8 cycles, after which pts could continue to receive gefitinib. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) assessed using RECIST or Rustin criteria. Results: Sixty-eight pts (26 resistant/refractory and 42 sensitive) were enrolled (median age [range]: 57 [34–72] years; ECOG performance status 0/1/2: 41/26/1). ORR and disease control rates were 19.2% and 69.2%, respectively, for resistant/refractory; and 61.9% and 81.0%, respectively, for sensitive pts (see table ). Grade 3/4 toxicities (in =10% pts) were neutropenia (59%), diarrhea (25%), leukopenia (22%), anemia (13%), and acne (13%). Two myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and one acute biphenotypic leukemia were observed during treatment. Another pt developed MDS 34 months after study treatment discontinuation. Conclusions: Gefitinib (Iressa) in combination with P and C has promising activity as second-line treatment for ovarian, tubal or peritoneal adenocarcinoma and is generally well tolerated. The hemopathies are under further investigation. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.