USA update on paclitaxel in ovarian cancer

In the United States, the role of paclitaxel in the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer has expanded markedly in the last 2 years. The drug was initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration for refractory ovarian cancer. However, on the basis of a large prospective randomized trial by the Gynaecologic Oncology Group, paclitaxel together with a platinum compound has now become accepted as a standard form of chemotherapy for previously untreated patients with ovarian cancer. There still remain many unanswered questions as how to best utilize paclitaxel together with platinum compounds. Clinical trials are currently in progress evaluating the dose intensity of paclitaxel, the effect of schedule of administration, and the relative efficacy and toxicity of paclitaxel plus carboplatin vs. paclitaxel plus cisplatin.