Topotecan in Platinum-Resistant Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Background: Topotecan has been emerged as a new promising anticancer drug for patients with ovarian cancer. Methods: In this study, patients who were treated with topotecan were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 26 patients was included the study. All patients had received platinum-based regimens previously. Topotecan was administered a dose of 1.5 mg/m 2 intravenously 30 min daily for 5 days and repeated every 21 days. Results: The response rates were 30% by CA-125 level and 29% in clinic evaluation. Median duration of response was 8 (3–15) months, median progression-free interval was 12 (4–30) months and median overall survival was 15 (4–36) months. Grade 3–4 neutropenia occurred in 58% of the patients (38% of the courses) and trombocytopenia in 29% of the patients (12% of the courses). Nonhematological toxicities were mild. There was no drug-related death. Conclusion: Topotecan is considered as a reasonable option for treatment of patients with platinum refractory recurrent ovarian cancer.