Addition of bevacizumab to gemcitabine for platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer: a retrospective analysis

Abstract

Purpose

To compare a cohort of patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer (PROC) treated with bevacizumab and gemcitabine (Bev–Gem) to that of patients treated only with gemcitabine (Gem).

Methods

Between 2011 and 2017, we identified the Bev–Gem and Gem PROC groups. The regimen included 1000 mg/m² of Gem on days 1, 8, and 15, and 15 mg/m² of Bev on day 1, every 4 weeks. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated from the date of the administration of Bev–Gem or Gem until disease progression or death.

Results

The Bev–Gem and Gem groups included 18 and 29 patients, respectively. More patients had advanced stage disease in the Bev–Gem group (p = 0.048); no other characteristics differed between the groups. The response rates [ratio of complete remission (CR) to partial remission (PR)] of Bev–Gem and Gem were 38.9 and 3.4%, respectively (p < 0.01). The clinical benefit rates [combined percentages of CR, PR, and stable disease] of the Bev–Gem and Gem groups were 88.9 and 41.4%, respectively (p = 0.04). PFS and OS of the Bev–Gem group were superior (p < 0.01, p = 0.03, respectively). Bev–Gem was the better prognostic factor of both PFS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.17, p < 0.01] and OS (HR 0.31, p = 0.01). The frequency of hematologic and non-hematologic adverse effects was similar in each group.

Conclusion

Bev–Gem regimens improved PFS and OS for PROC. Furthermore, the adverse effects of Bev–Gem were tolerable. Thus, Bev–Gem could be a candidate treatment strategy for PROC.

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