Objective: Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the ovary is reportedly more sensitive to first-line chemotherapy and has a better prognosis than the more common serous carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to determine the responsiveness of refractory ovarian TCC to salvage chemotherapy.
Methods: Thirty-three patients with refractory TCC who received either platinum drugs or taxanes as salvage chemotherapy at our institution were identified through a retrospective review. Clinical information was abstracted from the medical records, and patient characteristics and response rates were determined. Pathologic sections from all cases were reviewed.
Results: The median age of the 33 patients was 53 years (range, 39-71 years). FIGO stage distribution among patients included 1 stage II and 32 stage III. Twenty-six tumors (79%) were classified as TCC-predominant (> 50% of the tumor having the TCC pattern), and seven tumors (21%) were classified as non-TCC predominant (< 50% of the tumor having the TCC pattern). Twenty-four platinum-sensitive patients received salvage platinum therapy (cisplatin, carboplatin, or other platinum analogs) on 27 separate occasions (three patients were treated twice) either as single agents (n = 20) or in combination (n = 7). In 21 of the 27 instances, patients had measurable disease and were evaluable for response. There were nine (43%) complete responses and six (29%) partial responses; in six instances, no response was observed. The overall response rate was therefore 72%. Thirteen patients, of whom 12 had measurable disease, received taxanes (paclitaxel in 10, docetaxel in 2, and paclitaxel+cisplatin in 1). There were partial responses in six (50%) and no response in six. Only one of the responders received high-dose paclitaxel (250 mg/m2).
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TCC may remain more chemosensitive than more common epithelial tumors in the refractory setting. The relative influences of tumor biology and treatment, however, remain undetermined.