[Weekly paclitaxel infusion in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer--a pilot study]

This preliminary study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of weekly paclitaxel administration by 1-hour infusion. A total of 7 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer were treated with weekly paclitaxel (TXL). TXL was given at a dose of 70 mg/m2 in 1-hour infusions every week for at least 20 consecutive weeks unless lesions became progressive. Premedication was administered 30 min before TXL infusion. The 7 patients received a total 110 cycles of therapy. Hypersensitivity reactions were not observed. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in only 0.9% of the cycles. Neurotoxicity was commonly observed, but that of grade 3 or greater severity was not recorded. No other severe non-hematologic toxicities were observed. Partial responses were seen in three of 7 patients. Weekly 1-hour TXL is considered to be safe and effective as a salvage therapy in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.