A pilot study of combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel, pirarubicin, and carboplatin (TPC) for endometrial carcinoma

Background: Although anthracyclines are considered as being among the most potent chemotherapeutic agents for endometrial carcinoma, the majority of institutions in Japan prefer a combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin (TC) for treating this disease. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and feasibility of combined paclitaxel, pirarubicin, and carboplatin (TPC) therapy for endometrial carcinoma. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with high/intermediate postoperative recurrence risks or with advanced disease received combination chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel (150 mg/m²), pirarubicin (35 mg/m²), and carboplatin [area under the concentration time curve (AUC = 4)] from 2001 to 2006 at Okayama University Hospital. Treatment cycles were repeated every 3 weeks, and three to nine cycles were administered according to patient risk. Results: The 1-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 94.9% and 84.6%, respectively, and the 3-year OS and PFS rate was 81.3%. Hematologic toxicities >grade 3 were: anemia 30.8%; leukopenia 84.6%; thrombocytopenia 20.5%. Neutropenia was common, and administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was necessary in 87.9% of treatment courses. Although grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was unavoidable, we could administer TPC therapy safely and without delay with G-CSF support. Gastrointestinal and neurological toxicity were less severe and less frequent compared with TC, and no cardiac toxicity was observed. Conclusion: The 3-year PFS and OS rates even in high-risk patients were satisfactory, and we confirmed the feasibility of using this regimen for treating endometrial carcinoma.