Phase II trial of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab for advanced or recurrent cervical cancer

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab in patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer.

Subjects included patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer not amenable to curative treatment with surgery or radiation therapy. Treatment consisted of paclitaxel 175 mg/m², carboplatin area under the curve 6 mg/mL/min, and bevacizumab 15 mg/kg every 21 days until disease progression, complete remission, or limiting toxicity. The primary endpoint was the objective response.

In total, 34 patients received a median of 6 treatment cycles (range 2-25). The median follow-up period was 18.5 months (range 2-29). The objective response was 88% (95% confidence interval: 72.5%-96.7%). Seventeen patients (50%) experienced complete response, whereas 13 patients experienced (38%) partial response with a median duration of 6 months. Grades 3 and 4 hematologic toxicities manifested as neutropenia in 14 (41.2%), leukopenia in 14 (41.2%), anemia in 11 (32.4%), and thrombocytopenia in 9 (26.5%) patients. One patient who underwent prior pelvic irradiation developed grade 2 rectovaginal fistula.

The combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab is effective and safe in patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer.