A phase II evaluation of Temozolomide in patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer

Objectives. To assess the antitumor activity of Temozolomide, a novel alkylating agent, in patients with persistent or recurrent ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma who have failed other second-line chemotherapy agents. To identify the nature and degree of toxicity of Temozolomide in this group of patients. Methods. Temozolomide was administered orally at an initial dose of 150 mg/m² daily for 5 days, every 4 weeks. If the initial course was tolerated without dose-limiting toxicity, then the dose was increased to 200 mg/m². Patients were evaluated for response and toxicity. Results. Fifteen patients were enrolled and evaluated. The median number of prior treatment regimens was 3. Hematologic toxicity was encountered in 26% of patients and was manageable. There were no complete or partial responses. One patient had stable disease with significant improvement in her performance status while on treatment. Conclusion. This dose and schedule of Temozolomide had insignificant activity in this heavily pretreated group of patients with persistent or recurrent ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma.