New Drug Combination Shown to be Effective for Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, and thus, novel approaches for relapsed ovarian cancer are necessary to improve the survival rates for these patients. A recent study conducted by Yale University and the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center reported that the combination of ixabepilone (a chemotherapy agent) and bevacizumab (a combined chemotherapy and targeted therapy) is a well-tolerated, effective treatment for platinum/taxane-resistant (a condition wherein patients are not responsive to traditional chemotherapy agents) ovarian cancer, compared to ixabepilone alone.
All women are at risk for ovarian cancer, however, the risk increases with age. Approximately half of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 years or older.
The researchers randomly assigned 78 patients to receive ixabepilone and bevacizumab, or ixabepilone alone. The researchers evaluated progression-free survival, overall survival, safety, and response rates. Among 76 evaluable patients who received ixabepilone and bevacizumab, compared to ixabepilone, the response rate (proportion of patients who responded to therapy) was 33%, versus 8% for ixabepilone alone, with a clinical benefit duration (time from response to disease progression) of 6 months in 37% and 3% of patients, respectively. The addition of bevacizumab to ixabepilone significantly improved both progression-free survival (5.5 months vs 2.2 months) and overall survival (10 months vs 6 months).
The results from this study suggest that bevacizumab and ixabepilone may be an effective treatment for relapsed ovarian cancer.
More Ovarian Cancer Information:
Reducing Your Risk for Ovarian Cancer
About Women’s Cancer Research Foundation
The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF) is one of the most active research organizations in the nation. We are dedicated to studying and evaluating novel treatments for women afflicted with breast, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The WCRF persistently endeavors to make a difference in women’s lives by offering them hope, strength, and progress.
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