New 'March 2009' ENCOURAGING research on UPSC

lindaprocopio

I don't know what gets me in the 'research mode', but I just had to spend the time this morning to try and answer my questions about how 'curable' UPSC really is. I came across some new research that I found very encouraging and want to share (I am Stage 3-C, and this is for Stage 2 UPSC, but I still felt personally encouraged by it! In this study of UPSC patients, NONE recurred that had chemo & radiation. And an 88% survival rate is encouraging compared with some of the grim older stats available online!):

http://searchmedica.com/xmlresource.do?c=on&ss=defLink&p=Convera&rid=ds2-vb:p:2013t:79425530968:cc31c247b65eae17:49c08e2d&t=pubmed

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY Vol. 112 Issue 3 Mar 2009
Affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Desk A-81, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. amanditan@yahoo.com

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To determine recurrence patterns and survival outcomes of stage II uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) patients treated by various modalities with an emphasis on carboplatin/paclitaxel-based chemotherapy (CT)+/-radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: A retrospective, multi-institution study of women with stage II UPSC diagnosed from 1992 to 2006 was performed. All patients underwent comprehensive surgical staging. Treatment included observation (OBS), RT (vaginal brachytherapy, whole pelvic and/or whole abdominal therapy), or >or=3 cycles carboplatin/paclitaxel alone or with RT. Recurrence and survival outcomes were determined.

RESULTS: We identified 55 subjects: 10 treated with OBS, 26 with RT alone and 19 with CT+/-RT. After a median follow-up of 33 mos (range, 10-119), 20 recurrences (36%) were observed. There was an overall difference in recurrence based upon treatment (p=.013). Specifically, all CT+/-RT treated patients had a lower risk of recurrence (11%) compared to patients treated by RT alone (50%) or OBS (50%). No patients treated with both CT+RT (n=12) experienced a recurrence. Treatment with CT was also associated with a decreased risk of recurrence on multivariate analysis (p=.015). Most recurrences were extra-pelvic (70%), occurred within 2 years (85%) and were not salvageable (84%). Five-year progression-free survival was 86% in chemotherapy-treated patients versus 41% in those not receiving chemotherapy (p=.010); overall survival was 88% in chemotherapy-treated patients versus 64% in those not receiving chemotherapy (p=.115).

CONCLUSIONS: Stage II UPSC patients have a significant risk for unsalvageable, extra-pelvic recurrence. However, treatment with platinum/taxane therapy+/-RT appears to reduce this risk and is associated with improved progression free survival outcomes.}

deanna14

Thanks
Thanks for sharing Linda, that really is more encouraging than what I have read (or quit reading because it was depressing!).
I hope you are feeling okay post chemo.

shortmarge

deanna14 said:

Thanks
Thanks for sharing Linda, that really is more encouraging than what I have read (or quit reading because it was depressing!).
I hope you are feeling okay post chemo.

Where Did You Find This
Thanks for the research, I feel great knowing this!!!! Take a break from the research though, relax your mind and heal your body.

MIND, BODY AND SOUL!

Hugs.

P.S. Check out the eyebrows, I HAD TO PLUCK THEM!!!!! Before you know it so will you.

deanna14

shortmarge said:

Where Did You Find This
Thanks for the research, I feel great knowing this!!!! Take a break from the research though, relax your mind and heal your body.

MIND, BODY AND SOUL!

Hugs.

P.S. Check out the eyebrows, I HAD TO PLUCK THEM!!!!! Before you know it so will you.

Yippee
Look at all that hair. Good for you and eyebrow to boot! I'm so happy for you. I'm so excited and looking forward to that day.

lindaprocopio

Marge: EYEBROWS!! & HAIR!!: I'm so jealous! Deanna: Tomorrow..
Hey, Marge, I hope you're raising your eyebrows in surprise and hunkering them down in disapproval, and making all the wonderful expressions that eyebrows make possible! So funny that NONE of us will ever take our eyebrows for granted again!

Here is the URL for that research: (LONG: you'll want to cut and paste):

http://searchmedica.com/xmlresource.do?c=on&ss=defLink&p=Convera&rid=ds2-vb:p:2013t:79425530968:cc31c247b65eae17:49c08e2d&t=pubmed



Deanna: You'll be in my thoughts and prayers all day tomorrow, hoping that you are getting your 4th chemo infusion at last. I haven't really researched bone marrow, and maybe that is the next thing I need to know more about. I did read that the pelvic bones are big marrow-producers, which is why pelvic radiation is so hard on bone marrow. I don't really know how important it is to have my bone marrow fully recovered before my radiation starts, and am curious to see how this plays out with the timing to start my radiation. You are dealing with the flip side of this (same challenge; different order). Our bodies will set the pace; we have to accept that and trust that this is God's hand in the process for each of us.

deanna14

lindaprocopio said:

Marge: EYEBROWS!! & HAIR!!: I'm so jealous! Deanna: Tomorrow..
Hey, Marge, I hope you're raising your eyebrows in surprise and hunkering them down in disapproval, and making all the wonderful expressions that eyebrows make possible! So funny that NONE of us will ever take our eyebrows for granted again!

Here is the URL for that research: (LONG: you'll want to cut and paste):

http://searchmedica.com/xmlresource.do?c=on&ss=defLink&p=Convera&rid=ds2-vb:p:2013t:79425530968:cc31c247b65eae17:49c08e2d&t=pubmed



Deanna: You'll be in my thoughts and prayers all day tomorrow, hoping that you are getting your 4th chemo infusion at last. I haven't really researched bone marrow, and maybe that is the next thing I need to know more about. I did read that the pelvic bones are big marrow-producers, which is why pelvic radiation is so hard on bone marrow. I don't really know how important it is to have my bone marrow fully recovered before my radiation starts, and am curious to see how this plays out with the timing to start my radiation. You are dealing with the flip side of this (same challenge; different order). Our bodies will set the pace; we have to accept that and trust that this is God's hand in the process for each of us.

Thanks Linda.
Thank you for the good thoughts. I will keep trying as long as it takes to get these 6 treatments in. I physically feel so much better that I have positive feelings that tomorrow will finally be a go for chemo #4. I too am interested in seeing how soon they wil want to start your radiation. The body and it's processes are so interesting, especially when man messes with the natural order. I will continue to trust the the Lord is watching over each of us in this journey. Praying and keeping my fingers crossed for tomorrow.
Hugs,
Deanna

Ro10

What encouraging research findings
Thanks again Linda for your research. That is certainly more encouraging than other reports I have read. I too am stage 3 C and find it very hopeful.

shortmarge

Ro10 said:

What encouraging research findings
Thanks again Linda for your research. That is certainly more encouraging than other reports I have read. I too am stage 3 C and find it very hopeful.

My Decision
This part of the research (>or=3 cycles carboplatin/paclitaxel) makes me feel a whole lot better about my decision at stopping after four cycles.

MIND, BODY, AND SOUL.

Hugs!

lindaprocopio

shortmarge said:

My Decision
This part of the research (>or=3 cycles carboplatin/paclitaxel) makes me feel a whole lot better about my decision at stopping after four cycles.

MIND, BODY, AND SOUL.

Hugs!

Marge: I feel REALLY good about your treatment decisions.
Marge: I feel you got the perfect amount of chemo and radiation to 'get the job done' without a lot of long-term side effects that come with too much chemo and prolonged radiation. If I was Stage 1 or 2, instead of 3, I'm pretty sure that I would do exactly what you did.

A1pena

Thanks for sharing!
I know this is an old post, but I've been reading up on these discussion boards and am thankful you shared this study. My mom goes in tomorrow for an MRI and pre-op appointment with surgery for Monday- so we'll find out staging soon. Fingers crossed its caught early.

Kind Regards,

Amanda

yoh_57

shortmarge said:

My Decision
This part of the research (>or=3 cycles carboplatin/paclitaxel) makes me feel a whole lot better about my decision at stopping after four cycles.

MIND, BODY, AND SOUL.

Hugs!

im on my 2nd cycle
hello shortmarge. i juz wanna know what stage u are. im diagnosed with uterine cancer grade 2 stage 3a and my 2nd cycle will be feb1. but earlier i decided not to continue anymore after the 1st session.im on carboplatin/paclitaxel too.

shortmarge

yoh_57 said:

im on my 2nd cycle
hello shortmarge. i juz wanna know what stage u are. im diagnosed with uterine cancer grade 2 stage 3a and my 2nd cycle will be feb1. but earlier i decided not to continue anymore after the 1st session.im on carboplatin/paclitaxel too.

Yoh_57
I was staged IIA, UPSC and clear cell. Had only four rounds of carbo/taxol and three internal radiation. Finished all treatment 1/14/09 and I'm feeling great!

Hugs, Marge

upsofloating

Thanks Linda - both for
Thanks Linda - both for doing research and posting! LT poor prognosis does not help one stay positive - so these results are very supportive!!!!