Clinical trials and progress with paclitaxel in ovarian cancer

Abstract

Sanjeev Kumar1, Haider Mahdi2, Christopher Bryant1, Jay P Shah1, Gunjal Garg3, Adnan Munkarah41Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute Detroit, Michigan; 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; 3Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USAAbstract: Paclitaxel is a front-line agent for ovarian cancer chemotherapy, along with the platinum agents. Derived from the Pacific yew tree, Taxus brevifolia, paclitaxel has covered significant ground from the initial discovery of its antineoplastic properties to clinical applications in many forms of human cancers, including ovarian cancer. Although much has been published about the unique mechanism of action of this agent, several issues remain to be resolved. Finding the appropriate dosage schedule for paclitaxel in chemo-naïve and recurrent ovarian cancer, defining the role of paclitaxel in maintenance chemotherapy, and elucidating the mechanisms of taxane resistance are areas of intense research. Newer forms of taxanes are being manufactured to avoid troublesome adverse effects and to improve clinical efficacy. These issues are reviewed in detail in this paper with an emphasis on clinically relevant evidence-based information.Keywords: paclitaxel, clinical trials, ovarian cancer, treatment