Microtubule-Interfering Drugs: Current and Future Roles in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Treatment

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Microtubule-interfering drugs have been used alone or in combination in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. Over the years and with increasing chemoresistance to taxanes, epothilones (i.e., ixabepilone) have become of interest as alternatives to taxanes. In this review, we discuss the role of microtubule-interfering chemotherapeutic agents in treatment of newly diagnosed and recurrent ovarian cancer, as well as common mechanisms of chemoresistance. We also discuss future directions for the use of microtubule-interfering agents in ovarian cancer. ABSTRACT: Taxanes and epothilones are chemotherapeutic agents that ultimately lead to cell death through inhibition of normal microtubular function. This review summarizes the literature demonstrating their current use and potential promise as therapeutic agents in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), as well as putative mechanisms of resistance. Historically, taxanes have become the standard of care in the front-line and recurrent treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. In the past few years, epothilones (i.e., ixabepilone) have become of interest as they may retain activity in taxane-treated patients since they harbor several features that may overcome mechanisms of taxane resistance. Clinical data now support the use of ixabepilone in the treatment of platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian cancer. Clinical data strongly support the use of microtubule-interfering drugs alone or in combination in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. Ongoing clinical trials will shed further light into the potential of making these drugs part of current standard practice.