Treatment regimen

Carboplatin and paclitaxel in ovarian cancer

Every 3 weeks or weekly paclitaxel; 6 cycles

Updated: 28 October 20261 min read2 references

Summary for doctors

  • First line in ovarian cancer after surgery or before interval surgery; 6 cycles [1].
  • Weekly paclitaxel gave no benefit in European patients [1] but improved survival in Japan [2].
  • BRCA and HRD testing for maintenance treatment (PARP inhibitor or bevacizumab).

Dose and schedule

Carbo/Pac every 3 weeks

Ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer; first lineCycle length: Every 21 days

Ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer; first line

DrugDoseRouteSchedule
Paclitaxel175 mg/m²IV over 3 hoursDay 1
CarboplatinAUC 5 to 6IVDay 1
Cycle length
Every 21 days
Duration
6 cycles

The standard arm of ICON8 [1].

Weekly paclitaxel (dose-dense)

Alternative; in older or frail patients the weekly schedule is less toxicCycle length: Every 21 days

Alternative; in older or frail patients the weekly schedule is less toxic

DrugDoseRouteSchedule
Paclitaxel80 mg/m²IVDays 1, 8 and 15
CarboplatinAUC 6IVDay 1
Cycle length
Every 21 days
Duration
6 cycles

As in JGOG 3016 [2].

Doses follow the trial protocol, guideline or official drug label (source given in the notes of each regimen). Before prescribing, check blood counts, renal and hepatic function, drug interactions and the patient’s condition, and adjust the dose according to the drug label.

Premedication and supportive care

  • Paclitaxel premedication; antiemetics: carboplatin AUC 4 or more: NK1, 5-HT3 and dexamethasone.
  • Carboplatin hypersensitivity becomes more common after several cycles (especially on retreatment).

Monitoring and dose adjustment

  • Blood counts and creatinine (Calvert) before each cycle; CA-125.
  • Paclitaxel neuropathy.

Main evidence

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ICON8: weekly paclitaxel did not improve progression-free survival compared with every 3 weeks [1]. JGOG 3016: in Japanese patients, weekly paclitaxel improved progression-free and overall survival [2].

Related cancer types

References

2 references
Show all referencesClose the reference list

Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.

  1. 1
    Weekly dose-dense chemotherapy in first-line epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma treatment (ICON8): primary progression free survival analysis results from a GCIG phase 3 randomised controlled trialClamp AR, James EC, McNeish IA, et al · Lancet · 2019;394:2084-2095
    DOIPubMed Back to text: 1 2 3 4
  2. 2
    Dose-dense paclitaxel once a week in combination with carboplatin every 3 weeks for advanced ovarian cancer: a phase 3, open-label, randomised controlled trialKatsumata N, Yasuda M, Takahashi F, et al · Lancet · 2009;374:1331-8
    DOIPubMed Back to text: 1 2 3

This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 28 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.