Ovarian cancer - question on treatment and CA125 Level

My mom (diagnosed with Stage 3 Grade 1)has been receiving carbotaxol chemo - the typical 6 sets. Three times (this is her last) she was sent home because her white blood cell count was too low, and told to come back the following week. Her oncologist said that this is not uncommon. I understand that but I'm wondering if there's any research or any knowledge on whether or not getting it every 4 weeks is a lot less effective or if it will make any difference. Any information would be helpful.

Also, my mom's CA125 was 2400 upon diagnosis. After surgery, it dropped down to 48 and then after her first treatment, dropped to 27 and then down a few notches until her 2nd last treatment when it was 19. (I don't have her last reading). I understand that normal range is within 0-37 and I've found research that indicates that treatment is more effective when the level drops 50% between 1st and second treatment. I'm wondering if there's any difference in arriving at a lower number (single digit) after the treatment is done or if it really has no bearing, as long as it's within normal range?

Thanks!

[nyc lady]

All I can say is that this disease is horrible!!!!!  I do not really believe that there is any correlation between how fast the CA125 drops and the extent of there being no evidence of disease.  There have been many women that have responded to carbo/taxol within the first two treatments only to recurr a couple of years or months down the road.  The only thing that the CA125 is good for is to be used as a tumor marker in someone already diagnosised...if they are CA125 sensitive, a rising number could indicate a recurrence.

Hoping that the chemo has sent the cancer cells packing forever and your mom remains cancer free.

Let us know how she is doing.

Pam

[rmarie]

I am with NYC lady, this disease is horrible.  There is research that states that a 50% drop in CA 125 is a good indicator of a remission.   However when you look at it overall, I don't know how much stock I put in it.  My CA 125 is normal and has been since diagnosis, I am currently on chemo for my first recurrence.  I don't think holding it 1 week for low blood counts makes a huge difference.  

[alanpvegas]

oncologists want it to be 'in remission' by the third cycle of chemotherapy...this is their baseline of if the treatment is working on the cancer or not.

from there (based on the treatment she is on now), if it recurs within 6 months she is platinum resistant, over six months platinum sensitive (meaning they can use platinum based agents again).

Her numbers look good...but even those who are 'in remission' and look to be textbook can easily recur...this is why so much research is going into that aspect.  Platinum agents work great but the resistant issue is the problem.

Alan

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Ovarian Cancer Research Website (In BETA Testing)
http://cancer.alanpeto.com/

[SimplyStar]

wondering what they call the lowest the count can get before they delay chemo, Leslee's last one was 1.1  and they told her they don't worry untill it hits .5,  that seems awfully low to me, she isn't allowed the Neulesta this time because of the clinical trial.  During the first line she took many things to keep her count up, and her counts were always excellent,  all denied now.  If she gets an infection, I will be going after someone I think.

[Helmar]

Hello... I don't think one week extra will any difference in how the chemo works. This happens often to women who have low white cells. Maybe your Oncol. could give your Mum a booster shot, to raise her levels so she can proceed with her chemo on schedule. They can give Neulasta or Neupogen to boost the white cells if they are dangerously low. The CA.125 isn't always a good marker for some, and those ladies rely more on scan results. My CA.125 was 7500 before I started the chemo that I've just finished. It's now down to 360 with another blood test due next week, so hopefully it will be lower then, but the numbers don't always tell the true story... they are only numbers. Even with a high CA.125 I still felt really well, ate well, and lived a fairly active lifestyle. I think we can gauge a lot on how we feel.
Wishing you Mum all the best, and I hope she will soon have remission...Helmar..

[e11e]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my questions. Although there are no real answers, I really appreciate your responses. Best of luck to you all!