Tamoxifen in Refractory Ovarian Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): R.J. Osborne, S.T. Malik, M.L. Slevin, V.J. Harvey, J. Spona, H. Salzer, C.J. Williams
Primary Institution: ICRF Department of Medical Oncology, St Bartholomew's and Homerton Hospitals
Hypothesis
Can a loading dose of tamoxifen improve treatment outcomes in patients with advanced ovarian cancer?
Conclusion
Tamoxifen shows minimal activity in treating advanced ovarian cancer, despite the presence of hormone receptors.
Supporting Evidence
- 98% of assessable patients experienced disease progression.
- Median time to progression was 2 months.
- One patient achieved a partial remission lasting 3 months.
- Median duration of survival from commencing tamoxifen was 4 months.
Takeaway
This study looked at using a special dose of tamoxifen to help women with a tough kind of ovarian cancer, but it didn't really work well.
Methodology
Patients received a loading dose of tamoxifen followed by a maintenance dose, and their responses were assessed.
Limitations
The study did not show improved response rates compared to previous studies, and the overall activity of tamoxifen was low.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 61.3 years, with stages III and IV ovarian cancer.
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