4'-epi-doxorubicin in combination with cisplatin in advanced ovarian cancer

Thirty-two patients with advanced ovarian cancer were treated with a combination of 4'-epi-doxorubicin, a new analog of doxorubicin, and cisplatin at a dose of 60 and 50 mg/m2, respectively, every 28 days. Twelve patients had previously received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Of 29 evaluable patients, six (21%) achieved complete remission for a median duration of 19+ months, and 13 (45%) achieved partial remission for a median duration of 8 months. All complete remissions were confirmed by a "second-look" procedure. Main side effects included vomiting in all patients, moderate myelosuppression (67%), and alopecia (65%). No case of congestive heart failure was observed. 4'-Epi-doxorubicin plus cisplatin is an effective and relatively well-tolerated regimen in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer.