Etoposide for ovarian cancer – pro
Oral etoposide has been studied in numerous clinical trials for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. In different studies there has been a varied response rate, and it appears that the activity of this drug is dependent to a large part on the extent of prior therapy. On the basis of data from more than 270 patients in 9 different studies, the overall response rate is 20.4%. However, in the largest study performed by the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), in which 82 previously treated patients received oral etoposide, the response rate was 30.5%.
There are no recent studies of this drug becasue the focus on clcinial investigtioan has shifted to newer agents. However, it remains established as an effective salvage drug and still can be useful in selected situations.
Hoskins, PJ, Swenerton, KD
Oral etoposide is active against platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian cancer
J Clin Oncol 1994 12: 60-63
J.J. Kavanagh, D. Tresukosol, C. Gonzalez De Leon, C.L. Edwards, R.S. Freedman, M. Hord, E. Howell, R. Lenzi, I.H. Krakoff, A.P. Kudelka
Phase II study of prolonged oral etoposide in refractory ovarian cancer International Journal of Gynecological Cancer VL: 5 NO: 5 PG: 351-354
YR: 1995
Ozols, R F Oral etoposide for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer.
Drugs. 1999; 58 Suppl 343-9