Cerebral metastases from epithelial ovarian carcinoma treated with carboplatin

We describe three women with cerebral metastases who presented following treatment for ovarian cancer. In all three cases the primary tumor underwent complete remission following cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant platinum-based combination chemotherapy. Cerebral metastases occurred at 18, 19, and 25 months following initial diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma. These cerebral lesions were treated with carboplatin 400 mg/m2 as a single agent. In one case total resolution of a single cerebral metastasis was achieved. In the other two women a significant reduction in tumor mass occurred and one of these responded to repeat treatment on two occasions. Survival times from diagnosis of the cerebral lesions were 11, 16, and 25 months. The treatment afforded rapid subjective and objective relief, significantly improved survival times, and was associated with good quality of life. Carboplatin should be considered for the treatment of cerebral metastases for ovarian cancer.