Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel for locally advanced cervical carcinoma

The efficacy and toxicity of neoadjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel administered on a weekly schedule for locally advanced cervical carcinoma were evaluated. Thirty patients staged as IB2-IVA according to the FIGO were treated with carboplatin (AUC 2; an area under the time-concentration of 2 mg*min/ml based on creatinine clearance) and paclitaxel (60 mg/m(2)) intravenously, every week for six cycles. A type III radical hysterectomy was then undertaken. Thirty patients were enrolled in this study. An objective response was recorded in 26 patients (87%, 95% CI 70-95%). Progressive disease was not observed. Grade 3 neutropenia was observed in only two patients (7%), and grade 1 or 2 neuropathy was seen in six patients (20%). The combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel given in weekly schedule for advanced cervical carcinoma was highly active, permitting a high rate of subsequent surgical resectability. It was well tolerated. This regimen may provide improved outcomes with minimal toxicity.