VEPESID

[thalassa11]

Hello to every body
First I have to ask apologize for my English . I am a Belgian patient , in Europe and I have discovered your forum a couple of weeks ago. I use to get on a French forum , in Europe, but a real Ovarian cancer forum with an expert to answer , doesn't exist.
So, I have an ovarian cancer for 3 years , optimal surgery , 6 x Carbo/Taxol. After a complete remission , relapse 1 year later. 3x Carbo/Taxol and 9 Caelyx /Carbo . It was long and hard as you know yourself . Finally , CA123 falled to 35 but my onco decided to give me 3 more chemo if no problem  with my bone marrow and liver, and heart , and kidney , for consolidation. In nov 07 I stopped the second chemo .
I have been cool, felt good until August 08 . The oncologist decided VEPESID . It's used also in second line , but I know nobody who experimented this chemotherapy.
Some one of you had VEPESID ? Which was the result , the tolerence ? How long was the period with Vepesid ?
Thanks  

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Thank you for your information, Thalassa. It sounds like you are getting wonderful care.
It is hard to lose your hair!

There are many kinds of complementary medicines. I would suggest avoiding herbal medicine while you are on chemotherapy. Herbs are medications too and there can be drug-drug interactions. For instance, certain herbs can reduce the metabolism of chemotherapy or change liver function.
So before you take anything, you should ask your oncologist if it is safe in the setting of chemotherapy.

I believe that massage, yoga, acupuncture, reiki are healing therapies that can imporve your quality of life and reduce certain symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatment
best wishes to you

[thalassa11]

Thanks doctor  
In August 08: CA125 =123 , increse of the liver lesion ( from 32mm the biggest diameter , it mouves to 40, increse of pelvien and retroperitoneal nodes. Relapse !
The first relapse in 2006 it was on the liver, spleen, lymphatic nodes , peritoine. In one years chemotherapy it's happened a decrese of all this lesions. I was in partial response until now,9 months.
I go to Bordet Institut in Brussel and my doctor is a known oncologist. He told me :
"we have several choices: either 1) Gemcitabine, 2)Topotecan or 1)VP ,2)Endoxan per os. "
During the first relapse I had 3 x  Taxol/Carbo and 12Caelyx/Carbo , one year from nov to nov. The CA decreased slowly , by 20 UI, not fast . He wants to take care with carboplatine ,
I check blood D7 and 10. Tomorow I am going for D10.
I am really sad for my hair, even if it get back  and scared for the possibility of a second cancer later . I look to get better form my ovarien Alien and I fall for a leukemia !!!!!!! I already read some infos about VP on american sites .  
Exactely, I was sick first 5 days and I sleep a lot .
Do you think I can take some complementary medecine to help me during the free week ?  

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi Thalassa,
thank you so much for your question. VEPESID is the same as etoposide or VP-16. It has been used for women with ovarian cancer. It is not usulaly the first agent we think to use. I found a really nice site with a good summary.

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Chemotherapy/Individualdrugs/Etoposide

I have pasted the  information below but I wanted to credit the site as well.

My question to you, Thalassa, is : do you have a recurrence (has your cancer come back?) or is your doctor giving you this jut as a protection?

Etoposide is a chemotherapy drug that is given as a treatment for some types of cancer. It is most commonly used to treat cancer of the lung, ovarian and testicular cancer.

Etoposide may be given:

A drip (infusion) through a fine tube (cannula) inserted into the vein. It may be given through a central line, which is inserted into a vein near the collarbone, or though a PICC line which is inserted into a vein in the crook of your arm. The infusion takes about 30–60 minutes.Capsules

SIDE EFFECTS
Lowered resistance to infection Etoposide can reduce the production of white blood cells by the bone marrow, making you more prone to infection. This effect can begin seven days after treatment has been given, and your resistance to infection usually reaches its lowest point 10–14 days after chemotherapy. Your blood cells will then increase steadily, and will usually have returned to normal levels before your next course of chemotherapy is due.

Bruising or bleeding Etoposide can reduce the production of platelets (which help the blood to clot). Let your doctor know if you have any unexplained bruising or bleeding, such as nosebleeds, blood spots or rashes on the skin, or bleeding gums.

Anaemia (low number of red blood cells) While having treatment with etoposide you may become anaemic. This may make you feel tired and breathless. Let your doctor or nurse know if these effects are a problem.

Hair loss This usually starts 3–4 weeks after the first dose of etoposide, although it may happen earlier. Your hair may fall out completely. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. Hair loss is temporary and all your hair will regrow once the treatment ends.

Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) If you do feel sick this may begin after the treatment is given and last for up to five days. It is more common when etoposide is taken as capsules than when it is given into a vein. Your doctor can prescribe very effective anti-sickness (anti-emetic) drugs to prevent, or greatly reduce, nausea and vomiting. If the sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor; they can prescribe other anti-sickness drugs which may be more effective. Some anti-sickness drugs can cause constipation

Sore mouth and ulcers Your mouth may become sore, or you may notice small ulcers during this treatment. Drinking plenty of fluids, and cleaning your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush, can help to reduce the risk of this happening. Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these problems, as special mouthwashes and medicines to prevent or clear any mouth infection can be prescribed.

Taste changes You may notice that your food tastes different. Normal taste will usually come back after the treatment finishes.

Tiredness and feeling weak You may feel very tired. It is important to allow yourself plenty of time to rest.

Less common side effects
Skin changes Etoposide can cause a rash, which may be itchy. Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this. Let your doctor know if this happens. Your skin may darken, due to excess production of pigment. It usually returns to normal a few months after the treatment has finished.

Sleeplessness, headaches and confusion These effects are very rare and only occur with high-dose treatment. If you have any of these side effects let your doctor know straightaway.

Allergic reaction Signs of an allergic reaction include skin rashes and itching, a high temperature, shivering, redness of the face, a feeling of dizziness, a headache, breathlessness, anxiety and a desire to pass urine

Second cancer Very rarely, etoposide may cause a second cancer, usually a type of acute leukaemia, to develop years later