NCI Launches Trial of High-Dose Chemo for Advanced Ovarian Cancer

BETHESDA, Md--Hoping to resolve one of cancer care's ongoing controversies,the National Cancer Institute is launching the first large national studyof high-dose chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer, to be conductedat dozens of medical centers affiliated with the Gynecologic Oncology Groupand other cooperative groups supported by NCI.

The randomized study will enroll 275 women with stage III ovarian cancerwho still show evidence of disease after surgery and one course of chemotherapy.

One group will receive a three-drug combination--carboplatin (Paraplatin),mitoxantrone (Novantrone), and cyclophosphamide--and autologous bone marrowtransplantation.

The second group will receive paclitaxel (Taxol) and carboplatin, thedrug combination now considered the optimal therapy for stage III ovariancancer. Endpoints will be overall survival and progression-free survival.Researchers will also seek to measure differences in quality of life, includingboth physical and psychological well-being.

"This trial should help resolve the debate over whether high-dosechemotherapy is more, equally, or less effective, compared to conventionalchemotherapy," said Edward L. Tremble, MD, of NCI's Clinical InvestigationsBranch, Division of Cancer Treatment, Diagnosis, and Centers.