Comparison of Cisplatin-gemcitabine and Cisplatin-paclitaxel Chemotherapy in Stage IVB

Abstract

Comparison of Cisplatin-gemcitabine and  Cisplatin-paclitaxel Chemotherapy in Stage IVB

Piyawan Pariyawateekul MD*

Tanomsiri Soonthornthum MD*

Nathaya Khuakoonratt MD*

Veera Suraseranivongse MD*

Kasem Vijaithum MD*

Niwat Intarawichian MD*

Objectives: To evaluate the treatment outcomes and adverse effects of cisplatin-gemcitabine in comparison with cisplatin-paclitaxel for stage IVB, persistent or recurrent cervical cancer.

Methods: Medical records of patients with stage IVB, persistent or recurrent cervical cancer who were treated with cisplatin-gemcitabine or cisplatin-paclitaxel at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital between January 2003 and December 2010 were reviewed.

Results: Ninety-six patients with stage IVB, persistent or recurrent cervical cancer were included in the study. Forty-eight patients (50.0%) received cisplatin-gemcitabine and the remaining received cisplatin-paclitaxel. The majority of patients (68.8%) had squamous cell carcinoma histology. Baseline characteristics of the patients were not significantly different between two groups. There was no statistically significant difference in response rate between cisplatin-gemcitabine and cisplatin-paclitaxel group (47.9% versus 43.7%; p-value = 0.682). The median progression-free survival and median overall survival were also not significantly different: 10 months compared with 9 months (p-value = 0.634) and 12 months compared with 15 months (p-value = 0.606) in patients receiving cisplatin-gemcitabine and cisplatin-paclitaxel, respectively. The hematologic toxicities of leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were significantly higher among patients receiving cisplatin-gemcitabine than those in cisplatin-paclitaxel group.

Conclusion: There was no significant difference in terms of overall response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival among patients with stage IVB, persistent or recurrent cervical cancer receiving cisplatin-gemcitabine regimen compared to cisplatin-paclitaxel regimen. However, the incidences of leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were significantly higher in patients receiving cisplatin-gemcitabine regimen.

Keywords: persistent, recurrent, cervical cancer, chemotherapy, response, survival