Taxanes were first introduced in the mid 1990’s for the first line treatment of ovarian cancer. There has since been no real progress made. However recent data presented at ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology) 2010, shed light on the benefit of adding Bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy. In the ICON 7 trial, 1,528 women with high risk, early or advanced stage ovarian cancer were randomized to receive either 6 cycles of standard chemotherapy with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel or Carboplatin and Paclitaxel given along with Bevacizumab, followed by maintenance Bevacizumab for an additional 12 cycles.
There was a significant improvement in the median progression free survival in the Bevacizumab group. Patients with poor risk features benefited the most. So, after over 15 years of drought, we are now seeing progress made, in the treatment of ovarian cancer. It is not clear at this time however, if this three drug combination will improve Overall Survival.
