Comparison of Weekly Versus Every Three Weeks of Carboplatin Plus Paclitaxel in Patients With Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer as the fifth leading cause of death in women worldwide. Since most women suffer asymptomatic manifestations or nonspecific symptoms, subsequent diagnosis is very tricky and late most of the time. Carboplatin/paclitaxel has been among the first line options for treatment of ovarian cancer for decades however, account for a great of deal of adverse effects affecting patient safety. These side effects are dose related whereas, dose of carboplatin is calculated individually for each patient using the Calvert equation focusing on renal functions at baseline. Carboplatin adverse effects are believed to mainly affect the kidneys, hematological system and may cause neurotoxicity thus, exhibit quality of life deteriorations. The study purpose was to investigate a triple correlation between 3 different aspects comparing the weekly dose versus the three-week dense dose of carboplatin/paclitaxel in treating advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Points of comparison: 1. Routine laboratory parameters in an attempt to identify the possible adverse effects accounted to each regimen focusing on hematological, renal, hepatic, and tumor marker panels. 2. Additional biomarkers including cystatin-C, neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin, hepcidin, kidney injury marker-1 and interleukin-18 assessing the probable incidence of acute kidney injury and anemia. 3. Quality of life analyzed by comparing functional assessment of cancer therapy-ovarian and functional assessment of cancer therapy/gynecologic oncology group-neurotoxicity surveys between both groups. The study encouraged the patient right to be involved and consent to the assigned protocol The correlation between all three aspects studied as of routine lab work, toxicity biomarkers and quality of life besides the economic burden aim to provide a decent patient tailored treatment regimen balancing efficacy and safety.