Number of Chemo drugs for Ovarian

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vicki_howard
vicki_howard Member Posts: 15
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Surviviors,
My mom is in the beginning of txt (going Wed to discuss options) and I just wondered when it came time for chemotherapy, are there a lot of options?? 10, 15, or 20 different drugs??

Just trying to "keep up the hope."

Blessings to All of You,
vicki

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  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #2
    Options
    Hi Vicki
    I only know about the chemo I was on. It is a combination and is called "the gold standard" Carboplatin & Taxol. It is an infusion that is injected via a vein once every 3 weeks. I have 6 treatments.

    Not sure what else there is but I am sure the ladies here will be able to help you.

    Take care Tina xxx
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #3
    Options
    Yes.....and no
    There are a
    Yes.....and no

    There are a number of options, as far as chemo drugs, but not 15 or 20. More like 5 or 6.

    Doctors differ in their treatment of choice for OVCA patients, and it also depends on what stage her cancer is. The majority of us were staged at 3c and received Carboplatin and Taxol as our initial treatment. This seems to be the "gold standard".

    If your mom is late stage (3 or 4), she should not delay in starting chemo. The best advice I can give is be sure she is treated by a Gyn/Oncologist. Statistics prove that women treated by a Gyn/Onc specialist live longer with OVCA.

    Carlene
  • seb44
    seb44 Member Posts: 4
    #4
    Options
    my sister's treatment
    My sister (OC 3c) got in a study after her initial surgery. She gets taxol, cisplatin, and avastin. Some is IV and some is IP. The 6 cycles are 3 weeks each. The first week she is at chemo two days in a row (starts at 9am and sometimes she doesn't leave until 6 pm). The next week she is at chemo all day for only one day. The third week is lab work only. After 1 cycle her ca 125 went down to 30, the next time 15, and the last time 10. After 6 cycles she goes on another routine and I am not sure what is involved. It may be avastin only.

    From reading posts here, I would like to find out why she is not getting carboplatin.

    I read the new posts here every day because I want to understand what my sister is going through and be able to help her as much as possible. Lee in Houston
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #5
    Options
    lots and lots
    Hi Vicki, Yes there are lots and lots of options ~ some just in the mix of drugs. But don't get to far ahead of yourself, usually when you go in to discuss options they already have a plan or maybe two. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie
  • vicki_howard
    vicki_howard Member Posts: 15
    #6
    Options
    BonnieR said:

    lots and lots
    Hi Vicki, Yes there are lots and lots of options ~ some just in the mix of drugs. But don't get to far ahead of yourself, usually when you go in to discuss options they already have a plan or maybe two. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie

    Thanks a million Ladies, (Capital L there)
    Thanks for responses surviviors. I did note that ovarian discussion board has large numbers compared to the other boards???? unsure why though.
    Lets keep communication going. I smile for all of us here.

    Vicki
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #7
    Options
    vicki_howard said:

    Thanks a million Ladies, (Capital L there)
    Thanks for responses surviviors. I did note that ovarian discussion board has large numbers compared to the other boards???? unsure why though.
    Lets keep communication going. I smile for all of us here.

    Vicki

    Maybe we are all
    very verbal!!! Keep us posted, Vicki,
    Kathleen
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #8
    Options
    seb44 said:

    my sister's treatment
    My sister (OC 3c) got in a study after her initial surgery. She gets taxol, cisplatin, and avastin. Some is IV and some is IP. The 6 cycles are 3 weeks each. The first week she is at chemo two days in a row (starts at 9am and sometimes she doesn't leave until 6 pm). The next week she is at chemo all day for only one day. The third week is lab work only. After 1 cycle her ca 125 went down to 30, the next time 15, and the last time 10. After 6 cycles she goes on another routine and I am not sure what is involved. It may be avastin only.

    From reading posts here, I would like to find out why she is not getting carboplatin.

    I read the new posts here every day because I want to understand what my sister is going through and be able to help her as much as possible. Lee in Houston

    cisplatin vs carboplatin
    Hi Lee, both drugs are platinum based which is proven to have the best results on ovarian cancer. Cisplatin tends to have harsher side- effects and since they are both basically the same, the gold standard is carbo/taxol, and what is most often used. Her regime of taxol, cisplatin, and avastin is very aggressive and I'm sure her doctor has a reason for choosing that combo. If you google carboplatin versus cisplatin you will see some studies that have been done on that. My doctor in Japan likes to use cisplatin and feels that it is a bit more effective. My doctor in the US like to use carboplatin first, and save cisplatin for second line chemo.


    Your sister is blessed to have you, Lee to support her through this tough fight!!

    Kathleen:)

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