CA-125 dropping with chemo but NOT MUCH; does that mean it's no longer working?

lindaprocopio

My CA-125 was 54.9 from my labs drawn before Monday's chemo. I am getting a weekly 1/3 dose of single-agent taxol for my 1st recurrance of UPSC (similar in prognosis and treatment as ovarian papillary serous cancer); and am 6 weeks into it. My CA-125 spiked to 155 when I had my monitoring check-up in November and following CT and PET scans that lit up 2 enlarged lymph nodes that are in dangerous spots for needle or surgical biopsy, it was assumed that this was a recurrance and we started the weekly chemo, a weak weekly dose since my remission was only 5 months. The first couple of chemos really knocked back the CA-125 number, but the last 2 weeks the drop has only been about 5 points each. Does this mean this easy chemo is starting to not do the job for me? Originally I was told that if we had 2 weeks where my CA-125 went UP, we would stop chemo and do a CT/PET, and then make a new treatment plan based on what the scans show. But are these very small drops in CA-125 indicative that this chemo is no longer really effective at holding my cancer at bay and I should be looking ahead to something new? Did anyone else see a trend like that where a chemo just gradually starting to be less effective? I get a weekly external physical (palpatation) and they don't feel anything worrisome.

Hissy_Fitz

My understanding....
Linda,

My understanding is that it's not the number of points they look at but the percentage. My CA125 dropped from 2200 to 250-ish in three weeks - a decrease of 90%. So even though my number was still very elevated, my doctor was overjoyed.

As my CA125 continues to fall, the difference between numbers gets less and less. My last two labs were 53 and 19. I don't expect my next one to be more than a few points below 19, and as long as it doesn't show an upward trend, my doctor says it's all good.

I have had 4 sessions of Carbo/Taxol, with 2 more to go.

Carlene

LPack

numbers
Linda,

For me my CA-125 started climbing in May 2009. It was 13.2, which I was not concerned about but she was. Then June 2009 113.5 and couple weeks later 193.

After first two rounds in July CA was 99.8, then 36.3, then 19.2 in October and November 30 it was 12.2.

Have not had my CA checked since as I had not stayed on schedule (completing two rounds). But I have now and will get blood work next Tuesday. And did not complete chemo (reaction to cisplatin Monday), so praying that number is still same or lower!!

She has been satisfied with decrease every time. As long as going down - chemo is working.

Living for Eternity,
Libby

kayandok

Hi Linda,
It seems from all the reading I have done that the rate of drop of CA125 is unique to the individual, but as long as it is going down, it is either killing the cancer or keeping it at bay.
My CA went down slower for 2nd line chemo, (gem/cis) and the last few months stayed the same. It was low enough to take a much needed 3 month break.
For third line, I am on doxil, and after an initial drop, it has remained the same for 3 months. If I do ok after this cycle, my doc will add in another chemo. (probably carbo)

Take care,
Kathleen

saundra

11 months
Linda, I did 11 doses of the low dose Taxol, once a month before my CA 125 started rising. As long as it is going down I thought positive. Keep us posted. Saundra