Weekly 1-h paclitaxel infusion in patients with recurrent endometrial cancer: a preliminary study

Abstract.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of weekly paclitaxel in patients with recurrent endometrial cancer.

Methods: Nine patients with recurrent endometrial cancer who had previously received chemotherapy or radiotherapy participated in the study, between May 1999 and August 2001. Paclitaxel was given at a dose of 70 mg/m² as a 1-h infusion every week for at least 20 consecutive weeks unless lesions became progressive. Intravenous dexamethasone and cimetidine and oral diphenhydramine were administered 30 min before paclitaxel infusion.

Results: The nine patients received a total of 149 cycles of therapy. No hypersensitivity reactions were elicited. Grade 3 leukopenia, neutropenia, and anemia occurred in 22%, 33%, and 33% of the patients, respectively. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor was required for two patients and no patients experienced febrile neutropenia. Neurotoxicity was commonly observed. Grade 1 peripheral neuropathy and myalgias were observed in 78% and 11% of the patients, respectively. No grade 3 or higher nonhematological toxicities were observed. Partial responses were seen in six of the nine patients (67%). The median progression-free interval was 8 months (range, 0–12 months) and the median overall survival was 10 months (range, 4–24 months).

Conclusion: Weekly 1-h paclitaxel administration is considered safe and effective as a salvage therapy for recurrent endometrial cancer, with this schedule and delivery making its use more convenient and easier in the outpatient setting. The current results support further evaluation.