High dose intensity combination chemotherapy for advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma: results of a pilot study
1990

High Dose Intensity Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

Sample size: 19 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): J.W. Sweetenham, J.J. McKendrick, D.H. Jones, J.M.A. Whitehouse, C.J. Williams

Primary Institution: CRC Wessex Medical Oncology Unit, Southampton General Hospital

Hypothesis

Can high dose intensity chemotherapy improve outcomes in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma?

Conclusion

The study found that while high dose intensity chemotherapy was administered, severe toxicity limited the ability to achieve the planned dose intensity.

Supporting Evidence

  • Severe toxicity was experienced by most patients.
  • Only one patient received treatment at the planned dose intensity.
  • The median received average relative dose intensity was 0.90.

Takeaway

Doctors tried giving a stronger chemotherapy to women with advanced ovarian cancer, but many got too sick to finish the treatment.

Methodology

Nineteen patients received high dose chemotherapy with cisplatin and cyclophosphamide, monitored for toxicity and efficacy.

Potential Biases

Patients were selected from specific gynaecologists, which may introduce selection bias.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and many patients experienced severe toxicity.

Participant Demographics

Median age was 60 years, with most patients presenting with FIGO stage III disease.

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