A randomised trial of carboplatin versus carboplatin and thalidomide in ovarian cancer, with evaluation of potential surrogate markers of angiogenesis

5024 Background: Thalidomide has anti-angiogenic activity and as a single agent induces responses in several tumour types. However, the activity and safety of thalidomide in combination with chemotherapy has not been assessed. In this study, we wished to evaluate if there was synergy with carboplatin in ovarian cancer. Methods: Patients with stage IC–IV ovarian cancers were randomised to receive either carboplatin (C) (AUC 7) alone every 4 weeks (6 cycles) or carboplatin and thalidomide (CT) 100 mg daily for 6 months, between 1997–2002. Ca125 and surrogate markers of angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), von Willebrands factor (vWF), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and E-selectin were measured in the serum pre- treatment and after each cycle of chemotherapy. Sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) were performed every 2 months in all patients. Results: 40 patients (Median age: 67.2yrs, range 39 to 83) were entered in the study [...