Paclitaxel-Cisplatin Combo Shows Promise in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Treatment, Study Reveals
A recent study presented at the 2025 SGO Winter Meeting has shed light on the potential benefits of combining paclitaxel with cisplatin during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer. The research,led by Khrystyna Levytska,MD,a second-year fellow in gynecologic oncology at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles,California,explored whether the addition of paclitaxel could improve outcomes without increasing perioperative risks.
The study, a retrospective chart review, compared disease-free survival (DFS) in patients treated with cisplatin monotherapy versus those receiving a cisplatin-paclitaxel combination during interval debulking surgery (IDS). While the results did not reach statistical meaning,they revealed a promising trend: patients in the combination group had a median DFS of 83.9 weeks, compared to 60.4 weeks in the cisplatin-only group.
Key Findings: A Closer Look
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The analysis also stratified outcomes based on homologous recombination status, a critical factor in ovarian cancer prognosis. Patients with homologous recombination deficient (HRD) tumors who received the combination therapy showed a median DFS of 228.9 weeks,while those with homologous recombination proficient (HRP) tumors had a median DFS of 60.9 weeks. In contrast, the cisplatin monotherapy group had a median DFS of 48.7 weeks for HRP patients and not reached for HRD patients.
“We found that patients treated with the combination regimen had a slightly longer DFS compared [with] those treated with cisplatin [alone], but this wasn’t [statistically] meaningful,” saeid Dr. Levytska. “Within each treatment group, there was a significant difference between patients with HRD and HRP [tumors, respectively, and patients with] HRD had a longer DFS.”
Study Design and Patient Demographics
The study enrolled patients treated between 2018 and 2023, with one group receiving 100 mg/m2 of cisplatin at 41°C and the other receiving 135 mg/m2 of paclitaxel followed by 100 mg/m2 of cisplatin at the same temperature.Data collected included demographic information, surgical details, postoperative outcomes, and survival metrics.
The mean age of participants was 65.9 years in the cisplatin group and 63.0 years in the combination group.Most patients were White (53.6%; 46.2%), followed by Black (3.6%; 3.8%), reflecting a diverse cohort.
Implications for future Research
While the study did not find a statistically significant difference in DFS, the trend toward improved outcomes with the combination therapy is encouraging. Dr. levytska emphasized the need for further research to validate these findings and explore the potential benefits of combining paclitaxel with cisplatin in larger, more diverse patient populations.
Summary Table: Key Outcomes
| Parameter | Cisplatin Monotherapy | Cisplatin-Paclitaxel Combination |
|—————————–|————————–|————————————-|
| Median DFS (Overall) | 60.4 weeks | 83.9 weeks |
| Median DFS (HRD Patients) | 228.9 weeks | Not reached |
| Median DFS (HRP Patients) | 48.7 weeks | 60.9 weeks |
This study underscores the importance of personalized treatment strategies in ovarian cancer, particularly for patients with HRD tumors.As research continues, the combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin may emerge as a valuable option in the fight against this challenging disease.
For more insights into the latest advancements in gynecologic oncology, visit the 2025 SGO Winter Meeting page.
Tumor Genetics Drive Treatment Response in Ovarian Cancer, Study Finds
New research presented at the SGO Winter Meeting highlights the critical role of tumor genetics in determining treatment outcomes for ovarian cancer patients. The study, led by K. Levytska and colleagues, examined the impact of homologous recombination status on responses to hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) during interval debulking surgery (IDS).
“Our results suggest that tumor genetics likely are the main drivers of response to treatment,” levytska stated. “given the widespread use of PARP inhibitors in the HRD population, our next step is to compare outcomes in patients who had IDS without HIPEC to our patient population.”
Patient Demographics and Disease Characteristics
The study analyzed a diverse patient population, with 21.4% identifying as Hispanic or Latino and 17.9% as other ethnicities. Most patients were diagnosed at stage III (92.9%), while a smaller percentage presented at stage IV (7.1%). The primary disease sites included the ovary (71.4%), fallopian tube (21.4%), and primary peritoneum (7.1%). Histologically, high-grade serous tumors dominated, accounting for 96.4% of cases.
Perioperative Outcomes
The study compared two treatment regimens: cisplatin alone and cisplatin plus paclitaxel. Intraoperative times averaged 376.9 minutes for cisplatin alone and 400.4 minutes for the combination therapy. R0 cytoreduction was achieved in 85.7% of patients receiving cisplatin alone, compared to 80.8% in the combination group. Estimated blood loss was lower in the cisplatin-alone group (209.8 mL vs. 292.3 mL),though transfusion rates were slightly higher (10.7% vs.7.7%).
Postoperative recovery also varied.Patients treated with cisplatin alone spent an average of 0.54 days in the intensive care unit, while those receiving combination therapy spent just 0.08 days.
Key Findings at a Glance
| Parameter | Cisplatin Alone | Cisplatin + Paclitaxel |
|—————————–|———————|—————————-|
| Intraoperative Time | 376.9 minutes | 400.4 minutes |
| R0 Cytoreduction Rate | 85.7% | 80.8% |
| Estimated Blood Loss | 209.8 mL | 292.3 mL |
| Transfusion rate | 10.7% | 7.7% |
| ICU Days | 0.54 | 0.08 |
Implications for Future Research
The findings underscore the importance of tumor genetics in tailoring ovarian cancer treatments. As PARP inhibitors continue to gain traction in managing HRD-positive patients, further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of HIPEC in different treatment contexts.For more insights into ovarian cancer treatment advancements, explore this randomized clinical trial published in JAMA surgery, which examines survival outcomes following HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery.Stay informed about the latest developments in ovarian cancer research by following updates from the SGO Winter Meeting and other leading oncology conferences.
Tumor Genetics and treatment Outcomes in Ovarian Cancer: Insights from the SGO Winter Meeting
We had the chance to sit down with Dr. K. Levytska, a leading researcher in gynecologic oncology, to discuss her recent findings on the role of tumor genetics in ovarian cancer treatment. The study, presented at the SGO Winter Meeting, sheds light on how homologous recombination status influences responses to hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) during interval debulking surgery (IDS). Here’s a detailed look at our conversation.
Understanding the Role of Tumor Genetics
Editor: Dr.Levytska, your study highlights the importance of tumor genetics in ovarian cancer treatment. Can you elaborate on how these genetics drive treatment responses?
Dr. levytska: Absolutely. Our research indicates that tumor genetics, notably the homologous recombination status, are key determinants of how patients respond to treatments like HIPEC. Patients with homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) frequently enough show better outcomes with certain therapies, which aligns with the growing use of PARP inhibitors in this population. This underscores the need for personalized treatment strategies based on genetic profiles.
Patient Demographics and disease Characteristics
Editor: Your study involved a diverse patient population. can you share more about the demographics and disease characteristics of the participants?
Dr.Levytska: Certainly. Our cohort was diverse, with 21.4% identifying as Hispanic or Latino and 17.9% as other ethnicities. Most patients were diagnosed at stage III (92.9%), with a smaller percentage at stage IV (7.1%). The primary disease sites included the ovary (71.4%), fallopian tube (21.4%), and primary peritoneum (7.1%). Histologically, high-grade serous tumors dominated, accounting for 96.4% of cases.
Perioperative Outcomes: Cisplatin vs. Cisplatin-Paclitaxel
Editor: Your study compared cisplatin alone with cisplatin combined with paclitaxel. What were the key perioperative outcomes?
Dr. Levytska: We observed several differences between the two regimens. Intraoperative times averaged 376.9 minutes for cisplatin alone and 400.4 minutes for the combination therapy. R0 cytoreduction was achieved in 85.7% of patients receiving cisplatin alone, compared to 80.8% in the combination group. Estimated blood loss was lower in the cisplatin-alone group (209.8 mL vs. 292.3 mL), although transfusion rates were slightly higher (10.7% vs. 7.7%). Postoperative recovery also varied, with patients treated with cisplatin alone spending an average of 0.54 days in the intensive care unit, compared to 0.08 days for those receiving combination therapy.
Implications for Future Research
Editor: What are the next steps in your research, and how do you see these findings influencing future ovarian cancer treatments?
Dr.Levytska: Our findings emphasize the importance of tumor genetics in tailoring ovarian cancer treatments. As PARP inhibitors continue to gain traction in managing HRD-positive patients, further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of HIPEC in different treatment contexts. We also plan to compare outcomes in patients who underwent IDS without HIPEC to our current patient population. This will help us better understand the potential benefits of combining therapies like paclitaxel with cisplatin.
Key Takeaways
- Tumor genetics,particularly homologous recombination status,are critical in determining treatment responses in ovarian cancer.
- personalized treatment strategies based on genetic profiles can considerably improve patient outcomes.
- Further research is needed to validate the efficacy of combining therapies like paclitaxel with cisplatin, especially in diverse patient populations.
For more insights into the latest advancements in ovarian cancer research, be sure to follow updates from the SGO Winter Meeting and other leading oncology conferences. Stay informed and continue to explore the potential of personalized medicine in the fight against this challenging disease.
