A high response rate to liposomal doxorubicin is seen among women with BRCA mutations treated for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.

Objective: Ten percent of ovarian cancer is attributed to hereditary syndromes, most commonly to mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These cancers are characterized by a prolonged sensitivity to platinum agents in spite of presentation at advanced stages. We hypothesized that women with BRCA-associated ovarian cancer would also show a high response rate to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil).
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare the response rate, progression-free, and overall survival among women with BRCA-associated or sporadic ovarian cancer who were treated with Doxil.
Results: A response to Doxil was seen in 13 of 23 patients with BRCA mutations (56.5%; 3 by RECIST criteria and 10 by CA125 levels) compared with only 8 of 41 women with non-hereditary cancers (19.5%; 2 by RECIST criteria and 6 by CA125 levels; p=0.004). This was associated with an improved progression-free and overall survival as measured from the time of Doxil administration. Notably, platinum sensitivity did not directly correlate with a response to Doxil.
Conclusions: Women with BRCA-associated ovarian tumors demonstrate a greater sensitivity to cytotoxic therapy with Doxil than has previously been reported in unselected cases.
(Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)