Carboplatin (CBDCA) plus ifosfamide (IFO) as first-line chemotherapy in advanced (FIGO III and IV) ovarian cancer: A pilot study

A phase II study of advanced FIGO III and IV ovarian cancer treated with carboplatin and ifosfamide was performed to define the efficacy and tolerability of this regimen as first-line chemotherapy. From November 1990 to December 1994, 30 women with advanced ovarian cancer or residual disease after initial surgery were treated with carboplatin (300 mg/m² intravenously on day 1) and ifosfamide (1,500 mg/m² intravenously on days 1-3, with MESNA) every 3 weeks. The overall response rate was 67% (complete response 27%, partial response 40%) and the median duration of response was 14 months (range, 6-36). After a median follow-up of 31 months, the median survival was 24.9 months. Time to progression (p <0.05) and overall survival were longer in the patient group subjected to debulking. This regimen was easily manageable with good activity and acceptable toxicity, and most patients were treated on an outpatient basis.