OBJECTIVE: To review the toxicity profile of intraperitoneal (IP) chemotherapy in Filipino patients with epithelial ovarian and fallopian tube carcinoma.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case series of sixteen patients who received IP chemotherapy for epithelial ovarian and fallopian tube cancer between January 1, 2007 and July 31, 2010 was performed. IP chemotherapy regimen consisted of GOG 172 protocol (n=11); SWOG 8501/GOG 104 protocol (n=2); IV Paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 day 1/IP Cisplatin 100 mg/m2 day 2 (n=1); Fujiwara protocol (n=1); and IP Oxaliplatin 100mg/m2 (n=1). Demographic profile was collected. Patients were assessed for toxicity.
RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent IP chemotherapy. The median age was 51 (range: 37-62). Six patients had stage III disease, 2 had stage I, 4 had persistence, 2 had recurrent ovarian cancer and one had stage II fallopian tube cancer. Median number of cycles given was 3.5. Seven out of 16 patients (43.75%) completed 6 cycles of chemotherapy, 5 out of 16 (31.25%) were still undergoing treatment. Fifty seven cycles were analyzed for toxicity. Maximal grade of adverse effects were: Grade(G) 2 anemia, 8.77%; G3 leukopenia, 1.75%. G3 anorexia/nausea/vomiting/dehydration, 5.26%; G3/4 diarrhea, 1.75%; G3 ileus/skin toxicity, 1.75%; G2/3 abdominal pain, 1.75%; G3/4 hypokalemia, 1.75%; and G3 fatigue, 3.5%. IP catheter-related infection occurred in one patient (1.75%), two (3.5%) had IP port re-insertion and one patient (1.75%) had leakage problem. No deaths were reported in this series.
CONCLUSION: Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is welltolerated with acceptable toxicities in the treatment of ovarian and fallopian tube carcinoma in the Philippines.