A phase II study of carboplatin in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix (a Gynecologic Oncology Group...

The Gynecologic Oncology Group conducted a Phase II trial of carboplatin in patients with measurable advanced squamous cell carcinoma of cervix. No prior therapy with cytotoxic drugs was permitted in patients entered into this study. Patients entered were GOG performance status 2 or better. Carboplatin 400 mg/m2 (340 mg/m2 in patients who had had prior pelvic radiotherapy with subsequent escalation to 400 mg/m2 if bone marrow tolerance was good) was administered as a 15-minute IV infusion. Treatments were repeated every four weeks until disease progressed or until toxicity prohibited further therapy. Thirty-nine evaluable patients were treated. Two complete and nine partial responses were observed (response rate 28.2%). No neurotoxicity and only mild reversible nephrotoxicity was seen. Gastrointestinal toxicity was severe in three patients (7.7%). Dose limiting toxicity was myelosuppression. Carboplatin is active against squamous cell carcinoma of cervix and appears to be less nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, and nauseogenic than cisplatin. Randomized studies of this drug against cisplatin are indicated to determine the role of carboplatin in the therapy of squamous cell carcinoma of cervix.