Experience with prophylactic oral ciprofloxacin in gynecological cancer patients developing severe chemotherapy-induced neutropenia

Experience with the management of neutropenia in gynecologic cancer patients receiving carboplatin-based chemotherapy

Objective. There exists limited information in the medical literature regarding the incidence and severity of carboplatin-associated neutropenia, outside the setting of a clinical trial. We wished to examine this issue in a large single institution experience involving patients receiving both single agent and combination carboplatin-based chemotherapy for management of a female pelvic malignancy. Patients and methods. The medical records of women with gynecologic cancers treated with carboplatin-based chemotherapy at the Cleveland Clinic from January 1, 1998 through December 31, 2002 were retrospectively reviewed to determine the incidence and severity of neutropenia. Results. During the time period encompassed by this analysis, a total of 323 patients received 2145 cycles of carboplatin-based chemotherapy (total of 441 courses; median cycles/patient: 6 [range 1-27]). The total number of each program utilized, and the incidence of grades 3 and 4 neutropenia observed (lowest nadir/regimen), were as follows: single agent carboplatin (178 courses; 5% grade 3, and <1% grade 4), carboplatin/paclitaxel (198; 23% and 6%), carboplatin/docetaxel (42; 17% and 73%) and carboplatin/paclitaxel/irinotecan (23; 39% and 61%). Febrile neutropenia was uncommon, and there was only a single neutropenic-related death. Conclusion. Both single-agent carboplatin and carboplatin/paclitaxel result in a very low incidence of grade 4 neutropenia. While combining docetaxel with carboplatin or adding a "third drug" to carboplatin/paclitaxel substantially increases the incidence of severe neutropenia, neutropenic fever, and required hospitalizations for septic episodes are uncommon. The prophylactic oral administration of a broad-spectrum antibiotic (e.g., ciprofloxicin) in the presence of grade 4 neutropenia appears to be an effective strategy to minimize the risk of subsequent febrile events.

Infectious diseases in gynecologic oncology: an overview

The increasing trend of a multimodal therapeutic approach in gynecologic oncology in the last few years has markedly changed the nature, frequency, and clinical presentation of infectious diseases. Despite the improved diagnostic tools, refined surgical technique, and routine use of prophylactic antibiotics, the morbidity and mortality of infectious complications remain significant. The rational use of available treatment resources, the recognition of risk factors, and increased awareness of host-cancer interactions should reduce the incidence of these serious infectious complications. The improved prevention and more efficient treatment of infections in the gynecologic oncology patient will not only improve prognosis but also have a significant economic impact as well.

Combination chemotherapy with carboplatin and docetaxel in the treatment of cancers of the ovary and fallopian tube and primary carcinoma of the peritoneum

PURPOSE

Standard chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer currently includes a platinum agent (usually carboplatin) and paclitaxel. Because docetaxel is an active agent in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, it is relevant to evaluate both the toxicity and efficacy of the combination of carboplatin and docetaxel in this clinical setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Gynecologic Oncology Program of the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center conducted a phase II trial of carboplatin (area under the concentration-versus-time curve of 6) and docetaxel (60 mg/m(2)), delivered every 3 weeks for six courses, in patients with ovarian and fallopian tube cancers and primary carcinoma of the peritoneum who had either received no prior chemotherapy or had experienced a treatment-free interval of greater than 2 years before developing disease recurrence.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (median age, 57 years; range, 44 to 81 years) entered the trial (47 had had no prior chemotherapy). Our toxicity findings included the following: grade 4 neutropenia (64% of patients); hypersensitivity reactions (34%, none requiring discontinuation of therapy); peripheral neuropathy (6%). We had objective responses for 32 of 42 (81%) assessable patients.

CONCLUSION

The combination of carboplatin and docetaxel is highly active in ovarian cancer, with the major toxicity being bone marrow suppression. Hypersensitivity reactions are frequent but do not prevent continuation of treatment. With the dose and schedule employed in this trial, neurotoxicity is uncommon. Defining a role for this regimen in routine clinical practice will require the conduct of randomized controlled clinical trials.