4-Demethoxydaunorubicin (IMI-30) in refractory epithelial ovarian cancer: a pilot study

Fifteen patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer were treated with 4-demethoxydaunorubicin (IMI-30) after platinum failure. A total of 33 courses of IMI-30 15 mg/m2, per os, daily for 3 consecutive days every 3 weeks were performed. Three patients experienced severe hematologic toxicity (WHO grade greater than or equal to 3), while gastroenteric toxicity was acceptable and no cardiotoxicity was observed. One minor response, 4 stabilization of disease and 7 progression were observed in 12 evaluable patients. In conclusion, IMI-30, at this scheduling, is inactive in our small series of heavily pretreated epithelial ovarian cancer patients.