Allergic reaction to carboplatin

[krissylyn]

I need some help.  My mother was dx with ovarian cancer in June of 1998.  In the first 2-4 years she received carbo/taxol treatments and responded well.  On her last carbo/taxol treatment the cancer recurred around 6 months post treatment.  Doc used doxil and she responded but did not keep it at bay for as long as he'd like to see.  He recently tried topotecan and her CA125 initially dropped, but then started to rise.  He stopped the topotecan and decided to re-try the carbo/taxol combo.  She was on her 2nd treatment (of 6) and had an allergic reaction.  Today she received her 3rd treatment and was only able to receive 1/3 of her treatment before they stopped her treatment due to an allergic reaction.  We were told she will no longer be able to receive the carbo.  Maybe just taxol or taxol plus another drug.  Can anyone tell me their experience with an similar situations and what drugs were used and their success?   Thank you for reading this and in advance for any info you could share.

[krissylyn]

Chris ~
I actually felt my heart lighten reading your comment.  I am noting all the drugs that are mentioned as I need to know there are other options still available to her.  My mother also is comforted to know that there are still options and she prays that she finds the right combo for her to fight this.  Thank you for taking the time to reply.   You are in my thoughts and I will continue to keep you there.  Good luck to you!

[crecco]

I also had a reaction to carbo during my initial treatment and it was discontinued. I asked my onc about desensatizing and was told he would not do it as it really was not worth it. He has continually told me that there are hundreds of drugs out there that we can try so I do not need to worry. So far I have been on carbo/taxol, doxil, gemzar, topotecan, and avastin/abraxane.
  Just so that you know, taxol and taxotere are considered sister drugs as they are very similar. Abraxane is also a form of taxol.
  So try not to worry a whole lot as your mom still has a lot of different meds that they can try.
I know that this is hard for you and I wish your mom the very best.
  Chris

[krissylyn]

Withe ~ we have not met with the onc yet, we will on the 19th and I suppose we will get his game plan then.  We (her children) have been searching the internet and other sources trying to educate ourselves on what are the possible next steps.  I got your post earlier and had an opportunity to ask the nurse at the treatment center today about the desensitivation and she said they do not do that with the carbo.  She said the doc "may" try to up her pre-meds significantly, in hopes of trying to "sneak" the carbo by the system before it would react.  Thank you for your information.  It was useful as I was able to ask about desensitivation.

msjazz ~ I have heard about the gemzar before.  We have not tried that just yet and I have just recently read about the oxyplatin.  She has gotten the topotecan and doxil before.  Thank you for your input.

Hazel30 ~ I've made a note about the taxotere.  She was getting the taxol with the carbo and there was talk of maybe combo-ing the taxol with another agent.  

Thank you all for your helpful input.  We are searching for answers everywhere and can only hope that we find some.  I wish YOU ALL the best of luck in your battle with this  disease, whether you are the one receiving treatment or a loved one.  Even though I don't know any of you, I do pray for ALL affected by this disease.  Thank you, again.

[Hazel30]

Hi, My Mom also became very allergic to carbo after using it for her 1st recurrence.  Then she completed the treatment with just taxotere which is like toxol.  Worked well, dropped her ca-125 and disease to normal.  7 months later she recurred and began treatment on topotecan.  We also spoke to the doctor about desensitivation, but he said that there are more to loose then gain.  More risks involved.  Good luck to your Mom.

[msjazz]

I started back on carbo with gemzar for recurrence. When I had a reaction to the carbo after 4 treatments, I was switched to cytixan. I think oxyplatin is in the same group  as carbo also. I am now on doxil, there a several other chemos available for recurrence such as topotecan or gemzar as a single agent. Some other ladies here are on other chemos than I have mentioned. My doctor would not consider the desensitizing, some do. I was told if my dr.  did, it would be in the hospital with 2 hr, survelience. Best wishes for you and your mom.

[withe]

At the clinic I go to they do desensitivation  treatment for those folks who have a reaction to carbo. Did the onoc speak to you about that ?  Withe