With an overall response rate (ORR) of 30% in 315 evaluable patients in phase II trials, single-agent docetaxel has a level of activity in extensively pretreated ovarian cancer which is at least equivalent to and possibly superior to that of other new agents such as paclitaxel. In an initial series of 100 patients treated with the combination of docetaxel 75-85 mg/m2 plus cisplatin 75 mg/m2, the ORR was 66%. However, the combination was associated with a range of toxicities and only two-thirds of the patients were able to complete all six prescribed cycles. The combination of docetaxel with carboplatin has proved to be better tolerated while maintaining activity (ORR 67%). Based on these results, a randomized trial comparing docetaxel (75 mg/m2) in combination with carboplatin (AUC 5) versus paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) plus carboplatin (AUC 5) is underway. These results will provide important information on the role of docetaxel in the treatment of ovarian cancer.