Topotecan

I just started Topotecan, 3 weeks on, one week off for recurrent ovca.  Looking for anyone with experiance with this drug.

Side effects, effectivness, ect...

Thanks.

Comments

  • LorettaMarshall
    LorettaMarshall Member Posts: 662 Member
    edited December 2016 #2
    Anasazi-References that may be helpful 4 U although mine differ

     Dear “Anasazi” –

     My current chemo regimen consists of 6 treatments of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel (TAXOL) – each regimen 3 weeks apart.  This chemo is given via my medi-port which I surely hope you have.  And the following day, I return to the oncology lab for an injection of NEULASTA which replenishes my white blood cell count (immune cells) which the cancer so quickly depletes.  Please stay away from people who have the flu, sniffles and children with “runny noses”.  You mention that you now have recurrent Ovarian cancer.  We here are never happy to hear about cancer period, but we are where we are.  So while my chemo is different from yours, I find excellent chemo on the site listed below, and I think it will be helpful to you.

     Also I have been in this “fight” since November of 2012, and am happy to think I will see another “Merry Christmas” despite my terminal diagnosis.  Currently I am in my third series of chemotherapy regimens—one in early 2013—then Cytoreductive Surgery July 1, 2013—then targeted radiation for 3 cancerous nodes on the Caudate lobe of my Liver in 2014—then more of the same chemo in 2015—now another round which began Oct. 20th of this year 2016.  Not sure about your journey thus far or what stage you were diagnosed with in the beginning, but I wish you all the best.

     And once a fella named Brian asked about hints on chemo when his mother was about to undergo treatments.  I sent him this letter, and perhaps some of the things in there might be of help to you.  http://csn.cancer.org/node/301646

     Hope this Topotecan “kicks the Cancer can” way down the road!

     Loretta

     Peritoneal Carcinomatosis/Ovarian Cancer Stage IV

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     1.  http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/Topotecan.aspx

     "Topotecan  -   (toe poe TEE kan) 

    Trade names: Hycamtin®

     Chemocare.com uses generic names in all descriptions of drugs. Hycamtin is the trade name for topotecan. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name hycamtin when referring to the generic drug name topotecan.

     Drug type:  Topotecan is an anti-cancer ("antineoplastic" or "cytotoxic") chemotherapy drug.  This medication is classified as an "topoisomerase 1 inhibitor."  (For more detail, see "How this drug works" section below).

    What this drug is used for:

     This medicine is used to treat cancer of the ovaries when other treatments have failed.

    • Topotecan may also used in certain types of lung cancer (small cell lung cancer).

     Note:  If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful.

     How this drug is given:

     Topotecan can be given as a capsule orally (by mouth) or through an infusion into the vein (intravenous, IV).

    • If taking by mouth, swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not open, crush, break or chew. You may take the capsule with or without food.
    • The oral dose is taken once a day for 5 days and is repeated every 21 days.
    • The amount of topotecan that you will receive depends on many factors, including your height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition being treated. Your doctor will determine your dose and schedule…”

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       2.  https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a610007.html

     Topotecan - pronounced as (toe'' poe tee' kan)

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