A phase II trial of docetaxel and bevacizumab in recurrent ovarian cancer within 12 months of prior platinum-based chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES

The efficacy and safety of bevacizumab and docetaxel were evaluated in women who developed recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian, or peritoneal cancer within 12 months of platinum-based therapy.

METHODS

Patients received docetaxel (40 mg/m(2)) on days 1 and 8 and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) on day 1 of a 21-daycycle. Primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS).

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were evaluable for PFS and 38 for best response; 46% had platinum-free intervals (PFI) of <6 months and 54% between 6 and 12 months. The 6-month PFS was 43.9% (95% confidence interval (CI(95%))=28.6-58.2%). Median PFS (months) was 5.2 (CI(95%)=4.4-7.2) for all patients, 6.2 (CI(95%)=4.1-7.4) for patients with PFI <6 months, and 5.1 (CI(95%)=3.0-7.2) for those with PFI ≥ 6 months. Twenty-two patients showed overall response (CR+PR) (57.9%; CI(95%)=40.8-73.7%), and 32 showed clinical benefit (CR+PR+SD) (84.2%; CI(95%)=68.8-94.0%). For those with complete or partial responses, median duration of response was 4.8 months (0.7-14.5). Median overall survival was 12.4 months (CI(95%)=10.0-21.9). The most common grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs) were neutropenia (14.6% of patients), followed by leukopenia, fatigue, metabolic, and gastrointestinal, with 66% showing any grade 3/4 toxicity. Most common AEs of any grade were gastrointestinal (93%), fatigue (73%), and pain (73%). Four (10%) patients developed hypertension, 1 a gastrointestinal perforation, and another a colovesicular fistula.

CONCLUSIONS

Bevacizumab and docetaxel administered in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer is an active regimen without new unanticipated toxicities. This combination should be an option for further study or clinical use in recurrent ovarian cancer.