Imatinib Mesylate in Combination With Docetaxel for Advanced, Platinum-Refractory Ovarian Cancer

Imatinib mesylate is an inhibitor of the receptor tyrosine kinases for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and stem cell factor (SCF), c-Kit, and inhibits PDGF- and SCF-mediated cellular events. Docetaxel promotes cell growth arrest by inhibiting the deassembly of tubulin and by promoting at the same time microtubule assembly. Docetaxel has single agent activity in ovarian cancer with response rates of 30-40% in the platinum refractory setting. The combination of imatinib mesylate and docetaxel has potential synergistic effects, based on previous reports showing synergy in-vitro and in-vivo between PDGFR inhibitors or PI3K inhibitors and taxane chemotherapy. This trial will investigate the efficacy the combination of imatinib mesylate and docetaxel in treating patients with advanced, platinum-refractory ovarian cancer and primary peritoneal carcinomatosis.