Intraperitoneal paclitaxel as consolidation treatment in ovarian cancer patients: a case control study

It was the aim of this study to assess the role, feasibility and safety of consolidation intraperitoneal (IP) paclitaxel in patients affected by advanced ovarian cancer.

Patients affected by advanced ovarian cancer with complete pathological response after standard treatment were enrolled in this study. The consolidation chemotherapy schedule consisted of 12-16 cycles of IP paclitaxel, 60 mg/mq weekly (group A). Chemotherapy was delivered with a direct puncture under ultrasonographic guidance at each cycle. Survival data of this group of patients were compared with those from a control group with analogous characteristics submitted to observation only (group B).

Seventy patients were included in the study, 28 in group A and 42 in group B. Treatment-related toxicity was mild. In 3/28 patients (11%), technical difficulties in accessing the peritoneum were observed. Median time to recurrence was 25 months (range 4-64) in group A and 17.5 months (range 2-60) in group B. Estimated 3-year disease-free survival was 56 and 33% (p < 0.05) in group A and B, respectively; no significant difference in 3-year overall survival was observed (87 vs. 83%; p value not significant).

Weekly IP consolidation chemotherapy with paclitaxel 60 mg/mq is well tolerated and, in this experience, a prolongation of progression-free survival was observed.