Taxol w.out cisplatin for recurrence

[sapphire44]

My mother was diagnosed phase 4 two years ago. After removal of ovaries and debulking of cancer cells in peritoneum, she started with taxol and cisplatin. after a few months of this, follow-up surgery revealed there were still cancer cells. Then she did doxil for a while and it seemed ok for a while, but then in October 2007 the ca-125 went back up and hit around 800-900. From November '07 til about April she did Gemzar and either carbo or cisplatin - can't remember which and then just gemzar alone for a while - and did amazingly well - good quality of life and low ca-125 - as low as 7. they stopped that treatment in April or May and she was ok for a brief period but the ca-125 began climbing back up in July into the hundreds and the week before Labor Day she had scans - Pet and Cat - and revealed tumors on the outside of her intestine and she's been feeling very sick. Today she started on a regimin of just Taxol on its own once a week. I'm curious if anybody else has had this regimen for recurrence? I've  not seen much info about taxol without cisplatin being used? We're obviously all very concerned - we're not getting good vibes from the doctor this time around - he said she's in pretty serious condition. Mom's beginnign to talk about paliative care though we're not giving up yet. I'd be interested to hear from Anyone who's had a similar sitatuion.

[msjazz]

Taxol weekly was an option for me. I have done the same chemos as her so far. I went to ca of 23 but am now up to 746. I started taxotere yesterday once every 3 weekks, have a tumor between liver and stomach causing eating problems. Taxotere is in the taxol family. I asked if doing taxol weekly would be better (as I have a 220 mile drive round trip for chemo.)  My dr. thought taxotere might be better as it was a little different than taxol even though same family. We may add avastin next treatment, but due to bowel problems ( it can cause perforation) we may not. My dr. had mentioned weekly taxol, I think my long drive figured in her choice too. Hope it does good for your mom,  Donna

[Hazel30]

My Mom did single agent taxotere which is just like taxol just less toxicity.  She did well on it and had remission of 8 months.  Hope it works for your Mom as well.
take care

[sapphire44]

Donna,
I recall now that  you were doing Gemzar the same time as my mom. She did really well with it for a while but then shortly after stopping the numbers started to go up. I was also going to ask her doctor about Avastin but concerned about the bowel perforation threat, especially now that she's got lesions on the outside of her intestine causing her lots of discomfort and abdominal spasms. Hazel, thanks for the encouraging info on taxotere - I'm going to ask the doctor about that vs. taxol to see which he thinks is the better choice. How long after her initiatial diagnosis was it that she started the taxotere?

[StillFighting]

I had taxol without the cisplatin, did it once a week for around 8 months. It didn't work for me. The side affects are not as bad, infact I didn't have any but the hair loss. no nausia or anything.

Good luck with treatment!
and as always if you are uncomftorable with your Dr. either talk it out or fire em

[StillFighting]

P.s. the only reason I was on the Taxol alone was because I had a serious reaction to the cisplatin.

everyone in the medical industry knows that taxol/cisplatin is more powerful than just the taxol alone. I dont know why her Doc has gone that route but I'd sure be asking.

[withe]

I was also on Taxol weekly for 8 months. I really puffed up from those weekly steriods !!!
Apparently not everyone has this as a side effect.  I believe this treatment decision is to give the body a break from platinum drugs, ask the doctor about this.  Withe

[sapphire44]

Apparently my mom is resistant to platinum drugs which is why they're not using it. Other than your reaction to the steroids, was the treatment effective for you?

[abrite]

I am currently on weekly Taxol as part of a clinical trial involving the investigative drug AMG 386. I have 2/3 of a chance of being on the AMG 386. Have been doing this since April and overall feel pretty good. I rest quite a bit but am still able to work full time. I have puffed up from the steroids, but also tend to overeat! My CA 125 has gone from the 80s down to 14. I have a CT scan in a month. My best to you and your mom.

[sapphire44]

Thanks and good luck with your treatment. OUr main fear this time is that she's got lesions on her intestines - on the outside. With prior scans there was no evidence of disease even though her CA-125 had risen, but this time she's got high ca-125 plus the tumors. the doctor says things are pretty serious but we're hopeful that the taxol will be effective. time will tell. She's feeling rather discouraged at the moment. I'm interested in learning more about this experimental drug - AMG 386 - I'm going to look it up. thanks

[abrite]

Here is the link to the AMG 386 trial.  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00479817

[withe]

The weekly taxol did what it was suppose to do (kept the cancer at bay) low ca 125's until about  the 7th month of infusion. So yes, taxol worked for a time but no, I am not cancer free. Hope it is effective for your mom. She is lucky to have you. Withe

[StillFighting]

Other than your reaction to the steroids, was the treatment effective for you?
no I ended up having a bilateral masectomy.

Taxol is not as effective as taxol/cysplatin. thats not to say it wont be effective for your mother.
good luck though and keep us posted.
michelle