Capecitabine in treatment of platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer

The aim of this study was to analyze the toxicity and response rate of capecitabine in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer resistant to platinum and paclitaxel. Fourteen patients were enrolled in this phase I/II protocoL Capecitabine was administered orally in a dose of 2500 mg/m2/24 hours. A single therapy cycle consisted of a 2-week treatment, followed by a 2-week treatment-free interval. Patients were eligible for response evaluation if they completed more than one cycle of capecitabine. Cessation of chemotherapy due to toxicity was necessary in two patients. Diarrhea and hand-foot syndrome were the most common side-effects. In twelve patients eligible for response, there was one complete responder (8.3%), two partial responders (16.7%) and no change in three patients (25.0%). Progression of disease occurred in six patients (50.0%). Capecitabine exhibits antitumoral activity in ovarian cancer resistant to platinum and paclitaxel and should be evaluated in further studies.