A phase II study of oral idarubicin in advanced recurrent or refractory ovarian carcinoma

Oral idarubicin (40 mg/m2 in 3-4 divided doses over 24 h every 21 days) was tested in a group of patients with drug-resistant ovarian carcinoma. None of 13 patients responded and the study was discontinued. Toxicity was acceptable, with neutropaenia being dose-limiting. It seems unlikely that idarubicin has significant activity in this disease although phase II studies should ideally be conducted in less heavily pretreated patients.