chemotherapy not showing good result for Ovarian cancer

[moms_son]

Hi Dr,
My 47 yr old mother has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 3 around 4 months back.
She has undergone 2 chemotherapy cycles with paclitaxel and carboplatin. A review after these 2 cycles did not show any major reduction in her tumor size. The Ca-125 count was 338.4. Repeat CT showed no significant change in size & morphology.The mass is measuring 13.7*10.6*9.2 cms on the right side and 13.7*12.4*7.6cms on the left side of the pelvis.
Post this her doctor has switched to Lipodox. Now she has undergone 2 cycles with Lipodox. Next week we have a review and the doctor will decide on the future course of action.
Kindly let me know the reasons why the medicine not helping in reducing the tumor size and if the switching of the medicine after 2 cycles was a right decision. What are our options if Lipodox doesn't show any good result.
Let me know if you would need any other information which would help in your diagnosis.
I'm very much worried. Kindly advice.
Thanks in advance.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
Did your mother have surgery?
if not, why not? Surgery is the single most important intervention.
There are times, we do some chemotherapy first
but if her tumors are not shrinking, it brings into question what the diagnosis is. She may have a low grade tumor or borderline tumor that is not very sensitive to surgery

please let us know more information  about the biopsy and surgical history
take care

[Fighterfran]

I had stage 3C cancer as well 2-1/2 years ago and was told going to die last year.  Switched doctors and they kicked *** on the cancer.  It really is the drugs that will get it.  I took Cisplatin (not carbosplain)  with Gemzar and the results were amazing and quick after only 2-3 treatments.  Try this.,
Now i am on doxil and carbosplatin.  They are going to mix in avastin next. Dont accept once the 6 cycles are done  you are cancer free that doesnt happen.  Ovarian keeps coming back - you have to keep at it and keep doing the chemo.  I have had several blood transfusions, and take vitamins and make sure she  drinks plenty of water (4 bottles water daily if can).
Check the CA125 results they do - which should be every treatment or two. CGet copies of the cat scans or pet scans- you can even get the CD disk and the reports.  Be involved in her care - ask questions.  This type of cancer just keeps coming but you have to stay on top of it every month follow-ups.  Good luck to you and your mom has a good son.

[AGA09]

Hi

I'm not a doctor, however my mum is was also diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  She was diagnosed 2 years ago, stage 3.  Her first round of chemo was carboplatin and taxanol.  This reduced the size of the cancer but was only in remission for barely 6 months.  She then went on to a trial for recurrent ovarian cancer and another round of chemo, carboplatin and gemcitabine and this reduced the cancer again, however again it has come back.  this time after 7 months.  Now she is trying carboplatin and caylex.  I  guess why i'm telling you this is maybe it's best to research these drugs and speak to your mums doctor.  Also ask your doctor to see if there are any trials out there that your mum could fit their criteria, you never know.  This cancer is awful and all over the place which causes more questions than it answers.  I wish your mum good luck and hope she soon finds something that will work for her.