Objective: To describe the response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and toxicity profile of combination gemcitabine, platinum, and bevacizumab (GPB) for the treatment of recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).
Methods: A chart review of all patients with recurrent EOC who were treated with D1, D15 GPB in a 28-day cycle at a single institution was performed. Standard doses were gemcitabine 1000 mg/m(2), cisplatin 30 mg/m(2) or carboplatin AUC 3, and bevacizumab 10 mg/kg. All patients were analyzed for toxicity. RR and PFS were assessed in all patients who received at least 2 cycles of GPB.
Results: Thirty-five patients were identified, and 33 received at least 2 cycles of GPB. The majority of patients (80%) were platinum sensitive. Patients received a median of 6 cycles of GPB (range 1-24). Sixteen patients (48%) had a complete response (CR), and 10 patients (30%) had a partial response (PR), for a total RR of 78%. An additional 5 patients (15%) had stable disease, and only 2 (6%) patients had progressive disease. The median overall PFS was 12 months (95% CI 7-15), with a median follow-up time of 10 months (2-22). Two patients (6%) had bowel perforations, and both survived. Hematologic toxicities were most common, with 29% and 14% of patients experiencing grade 3 or 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia respectively.
Conclusions: The combination of GPB demonstrated excellent efficacy for the treatment of recurrent EOC. However, serious toxicities occurred, and the safety profile of this combination requires further study.