Weekly cisplatin/low-dose gemcitabine combination for advanced and recurrent cervical carcinoma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity and safety of the weekly cisplatin/low-dose gemcitabine combination in advanced or recurrent cervix cancer. Fourteen patients were treated with weekly chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine 100 mg/m2 and cisplatin 33 mg/m2 for a maximum of 18 courses (6 months). The response rate and survival was evaluated. The mean age of patients was 43.4 years, 13 out of 14 had pelvic disease, and most of them received previous irradiation. Eleven patients were evaluated for response and all for toxicity. The mean number of courses delivered was 9.7. Four patients (36%) achieved a partial response and four had stable disease. The most frequent toxicity was nausea/vomiting;myelosuppression was mild and uncommon. At a maximum follow-up of 15 months the median survival was 6 months. This is an active and well-tolerated combination devoid of myelotoxic effects which allows its administration without delays.