Purpose: The combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin is considered the standard regimen for advanced ovarian cancer (AOC). A meta-analysis has shown that the incorporation of anthracyclines into first-line chemotherapy might improve long-term survival by 7-10%. We designed a phase I-II study in patients with AOC using a combination of a fixed dose of cisplatin with paclitaxel and epirubicin both given at escalating doses every 3 weeks. The objectives of this study were to determine both the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the antitumor activity of this combination.
Methods: Six different dose levels were planned. The starting doses were cisplatin 75 mg/m2, paclitaxel 140 mg/m2, and epirubicin 50 mg/m2. The doses of paclitaxel were escalated in 20-mg/m2 increments, alternating with 20-mg/m2 increments of epirubicin. Ten patients with AOC entered the phase I study. Three patients each were enrolled at level I and level II and four patients at level III, and at each level, 15 courses were administered. Patients received a median of five courses.
Results: Nonhematological toxicity was generally mild, except for grade 3 mucositis in one course at levels II and III, and grade 3 vomiting in one course at levels I and III. Hematological toxicities were grade 3-4 neutropenia in 60%, 47% and 60% of courses at levels I, II and III, respectively, and grade 3 anemia in one course at level III. At level III two of four patients developed a dose-limiting toxicity which was grade 4 neutropenia lasting more than 1 week.
Conclusions: The MTD was reached at level II with cisplatin 75 mg/m2, paclitaxel 160 mg/m2, and epirubicin 50 mg/m2. The phase II part of the study is currently ongoing.