Recurrance of ovarian cancer

My wife has a recurrance of cancer just 5 months after finishing the typical taxol chemo rounds (6). Our doctor says she must me platinum resistant and that he can treat her for some time, with good quality of life. She has had the weekly topotecan chemo (5 times now), but she is still developing fluid in the abdominal area. Will this fluid leave anytime soon? Any suggestions?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

HI There,

the definition of a platinum resistant ovarian cancer is a cancer the grows back within 6 months of receiving a platinum based chemotherapy.


currently, in addition to topotecan, there are several other drugs that can be helpful:
doxil, gemzar, cytoxan

avastin can be helpful in treating ascites


Fluid in the abdomen (ascites) can reaccumulate for awhile after starting a new drug regimen..  I usually try to continue with one drug for 2 to 3 months. During this time, the fluid may need to be drained.  Another option is to consider a dose of chemo directly into to abdomen to control the fluid

I know this is a tough time for you and your wife.
I hope the fluid settles down
best wishes