Chemosensitivity Testing of Paclitaxel versus Docetaxel in Human Gynecological Carcinomas: A Comparison with Carboplatin

Background: The tetrazolium dye (MTT) assay is useful in predicting chemosensitivity. Materials and Methods: Using the MTT assay, an in vitro chemosensitivity test was designed for paclitaxel and docetaxel. The results were then compared with the sensitivity to carboplatin in 60 resected gynecological carcinomas. Results: The mean tumor inhibition rates (I.R.s; %) for paclitaxel, docetaxel and carboplatin were all higher in ovarian carcinomas than in endometrial carcinomas (74.3% vs. 47.3% (p<0.01), 57.2% vs. 21.9% (p<0.001), 71.3% vs. 50.1% (p<0.01), respectively). In 28 ovarian carcinomas, the I.R.s for paclitaxel and carboplatin were higher than docetaxel (74.3% and 71.3% vs. 57.2%, respectively (p<0.05)). In particular, the I.R. for paclitaxel was significantly higher than docetaxel (83.0% vs. 62.9% (p<0.05)) in serous adenocarcinomas. In clear cell adenocarcinomas, however, both the I.R.s for paclitaxel and docetaxel were significantly lower than carboplatin (27.8% and 23.3% vs. 58.5%, respectively (p<0.01)). In 10 cervical carcinomas, the I.R. for docetaxel was significantly lower than paclitaxel and carboplatin (39.5% vs. 64.1% and 60.5%, respectively (p<0.05)). In 22 endometrial carcinomas, the I.R. for docetaxel was also lower than paclitaxel and carboplatin (21.9% vs. 47.4% and 50.1% (p<0.01, p<0.001, respectively)). Furthermore, the I.R. for docetaxel was significantly lower in G2 and G3 adenocarcinomas (16.9% vs. 45.8% and 52.8% (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively)) (16.5% vs. 46.2% and 53.2% (p<0.01, p<0.001, respectively)). Conclusion: The antitumor activity of both paclitaxel and docetaxel was higher in ovarian carcinomas than in endometrial carcinomas. In ovarian carcinomas, however, paclitaxel and carboplatin were superior to docetaxel. In cervical and endometrial carcinomas, docetaxel was significantly worse than paclitaxel and carboplatin.