First-Line Chemo For Ovarian Cancer

According to the Website Oncology Channel, in the United States, the initial treatment of ovarian cancer is now in transition, with most patients receiving primary therapy with drugs that contain platinum and taxane compounds (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel); however, other drugs, such as "mustards" (e.g., melphalan) and anthracyclines (e.g., doxorubicin) also show first-line activity in ovarian cancer. The dose, timing, and choice of chemotherapies are determined by factors such as the patient's type and stage of ovarian cancer, her body's response to and recovery from chemotherapy, and her health status.

The following drugs are the most common "first-line" treatment options for ovarian cancer.

Platinol® Cisplatin
Paraplatin® Carboplatin
Taxol® Paclitaxel
Alkeran® Melphalan
Adriamycin®, Rubex® Doxorubicin

All of these drugs have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

In general, most ovarian cancer patients undergo six courses of chemotherapy if they have a good response to treatment. At the completion of each two (2) courses of chemotherapy, the degree of response is evaluated. The patient is physically examined, a CT (computed tomography) scan may be taken, and her blood is analyzed for levels of the tumor marker CA125 (see also Laboratory Tests).

Remission—no evidence of disease—is most likely among patients whose CA125 levels drop below the normal value of 35 U/ml before their third chemotherapy treatment.

Thursday I will post an outline for recurrent ovarian cancer.
Feel good and keep smiling! Pattie