Combination therapy of liposomal paclitaxel and cisplatin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy and toxicities of combination therapy of liposomal paclitaxel and cisplatin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in locally advanced cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with cervical cancer who received NACT with liposomal paclitaxel and cisplatin at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from April 1, 2008 to December 31, 2012. Liposomal paclitaxel and cisplatin was administrated intravenously at a dose of 175 mg/m(2) and 75 mg/m(2), respectively. Results: The total response rate was 86.1% (62/72) including a complete response and partial response rate of 27.8 % (20/72) and 58.3% (42/72), respectively. Stable disease was observed in 12.5 % (9/72) of patients and progressive disease in 1.4 % (1/72). Hematological toxicities were the major dose-limiting toxicities. Grade 3/4 neutropenia and anemia developed in 18.1% (13/72) and 6.9% (5/72) of patients, respectively. Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 6.9% (5/72) of patients (all grade 1). Conclusion: the study findings support further evaluation of liposomal paclitaxel with cisplatin as an additional chemotherapy regimen which may be efficacious and tolerable in the NACT of cervical cancer.