Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and carboplatin in advanced gynecologic tumors: a prospective phase I/II study of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynaekologische Onkologie Studiengruppe Ovarialkarzinom (AGO-OVAR)

Background: Single-agent platinum and single-agent pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) are both effective in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Based on evidence that combination platinum-containing regimens offer superior efficacy versus single-agent regimens, we conducted this study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of PLD in combination with carboplatin. Patients and methods: In this phase I/II dose-finding study, six courses of PLD (20, 30, 40 or 50 mg/m(2)) and carboplatin (AUC 6) were administered every 28 days to women with advanced gynecologic malignancies. Three to six patients were treated at each dose level; an additional 12 patients were treated at the MTD. Results: PLD 40 mg/m(2) was identified as the MTD when administered with carboplatin. Five of 18 patients experienced a dose-limiting toxicity at the MTD; two patients had grade 3/4 neutropenia, and one each had grade 3 emesis and grade 3 thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. No patient developed cardiotoxicity. In 11 patients evaluable for response, there were two complete responses, two partial responses and four patients with stable disease. Conclusions: The MTD for PLD when administered in combination with carboplatin is 40 mg/m(2). This regimen is well tolerated and offers promising activity in women with advanced gynecologic malignancies.