Objective   This study aims to observe the efficacy and toxicity of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) combined with weekly topotecan hydrochloride (Top-Hyd) chemotherapy on patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer.

  Methods   Medical data of 42 patients with platinum-resistant recurrent ovarian cancer between June 2008 and June 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. OAOf these 42 patients, 22 underwent 3DCRT combined with weekly Top–Hyd chemotherapy, whereas the remaining 20 underwent simple chemotherapy (SCT). Doses from 45 Gy to 65 Gy were planned to deliver fractions ranging from 1.8 Gy to 2 Gy to patient abdomen and pelvis. Top–Hyd (4 mg/m2) was aintravenously administered 1, 8, and 15 days from radiotherapy, with a cycle of 28 days.

  Results   By December 31, 2011, the median follow-up time for the 3DRT group was 18.5 months, whereas that for the SCT group was 10.8 months. The total response rate and the clinical beneficial rate were significantly higher in the 3DCRT group than in the SCT group (total response rate, 42.1% vs. 11.1%; clinical beneficial rate, 68.4% vs 22.2% at P < 0.05). The median of progression-free survival time was 9.8 months for the 3DCRT group and 6.6 months for the SCT group. The median total survival time was 19.7 months in the 3DCRT group, and 12.5 months in the SCT group. Significant differences between the 2 groups were indicated (P < 0.001). No significant difference in overall toxicity was indicated between the two groups (P>0.05).

  Conclusion   The combined 3DCRT treatment and Top-Hyd chemotherapy results in enhanced response and tolerable toxicity compared with SCT in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer infiltrating the pelvic and retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis. So, it may be the salvage regimen for recurrent ovarian cancer and provide a new therapeutic option for the consolidation treatment of advanced ovarian carcinoma.