Phase II trial of doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, etoposide, and cisplatin in advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma.

We have previously reported an overall response rate of 41% and a median survival duration of 14 months in a series of 49 patients with metastatic or recurrent endometrial carcinoma treated by a combination of etoposide, 5-fluorouracil, and cisplatin. In order to increase response rate and survival duration, doxorubicin was added to this combination. From August 1992 to January 1996, 20 consecutive patients were treated with a monthly combination chemotherapy consisting of doxorubicin 30 mg/m2 i.v. Day 1, 5-fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 i.v. Days 1 to 3, etoposide 80 mg/m2 i.v. Days 1 to 3, and cisplatin 35 mg/m2 i.v. Days 1 to 3 (AFEP). All patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Median age was 62 years (range 45-72). Two to eight cycles were delivered (median 5). Two of 20 patients had complete response and 7 of 20 had partial response. The objective response rate was 45% (CI 95%: 23-68%). The median survival duration was 17 months. The median progression-free survival was 8 months. Major toxic effect was myelosuppression: 75% of grade 3 and 4 leukopenia and 20% of grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia. Seven patients (35%) developed infection and 4 (20%) were hospitalized once or more for toxicity. These results indicate that AFEP is an effective combination therapy in metastatic endometrial carcinoma but its toxicity is unacceptable.