Background  

Both gemcitabine and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) are antineoplastic drugs with clinical activity in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The present study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of biweekly scheduled gemcitabine and PLD combination therapy in such patients.

Methods  

Eighteen women with ovarian cancer that had recurred within 6 months after standard carboplatin and paclitaxel therapy were eligible for enrollment. Gemcitabine 2000 mg/m² and PLD 20 mg/m² were administered intravenously on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle.

Results  

Hematological toxicity was mild. No severe (grade III/IV) leucopenia/neutropenia or thrombocytopenia was observed. Severe anemia was seen in only 3 (17%) patients. Several other severe nonhematological adverse effects were well tolerated and easily managed. The overall response rate was 28% (5 of 18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10%–54%) with 2 (11%) complete and 3 (17%) partial responses. The median overall survival time was 17 months (range, 1 to 25 months). The median survival for patients with clinical benefit including disease response or stabilization was 17 months (range, 3 to 26 months) compared to that of patients with progressive disease, which was 2 months (range, 1 to 11 months; P = 0.04).

Conclusion  

A biweekly schedule of gemcitabine combined with PLD is an active and safe chemotherapy regimen with acceptable and easily manageable toxicities in women with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.