Review: Paclitaxel and Its Evolving Role in the Management of Ovarian Cancer

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"Dose-dense therapy survival benefits were also not seen in patients with clear cell or mucinous histology type, unlike serous type."

Future Directions

A plateau has been reached regarding the benefits associated with standard 3-weekly intravenous administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. The ongoing battle for a better treatment regimen to delay relapse, promote remission, and most importantly improve the quality of life of patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer need not to go further than the ability to relook at the chemotherapy agents that are already available in a different approach.

Novel compounds to date have not yet shown clinical superiority, and parent compounds such as paclitaxel continue to surprise us with their feasibility, effectiveness, and manageable toxicity profiles. Intraperitoneal paclitaxel will require further evaluation. Better effort in understanding the mechanism of action of drugs including the role of dose scheduling and the effect on the immune system may provide a more cost-effective route to better clinical outcomes.