CA rising again after six months of Topotecan

[Terrin2]

After six months of Topotecan CA is rising again from 40 to 50 after one month off.   Going for my Cat scan now and will test ca again in two weeks.  Do you think it is wise to try Doxil? or to go back on Topotecan?

[Helmar]

Hi Girls... Gail, what you mentioned was right, but the chemo I had was Taxotere/Carbo which took over from the Topotecan and did a good job for me. I wasn't able to stay on Gemzar because of the bad blood results... transfusions necessary for both red cells and platelets. The worst chemo ever for me. I'm on Doxil at present...first treatment last week. This worked well for me two years ago, but I had terribly sore mouth ulcers, so couldn't stay on that for long either. I've sucked ice during the infusion this time, so hoping for better results.

Amy... My CA.125 went through the roof while I was on Topotecan, but my Oncol. only left me on it for two treatments, as his theory is that it splits the cells, and then if you go for something like Taxotere/Carbo or Taxol/Cisplatin, these combos seem to 'mop up' what the Topotecan did. After my two treatments of Topo my CA.125 was 7500 and after 6 of Taxotere/Carbo it had dropped to 290, so for me that is good, as my numbers are always well up, even though I live a good quality of life, and always feel well.

I hope both you girls are doing great, and feeling fine. Wishing you all the best....hugs...Helen..

[Terrin2]

Hi Gail,  Good to hear from you.   I go for my cat scan next week and CA again in two weeks.  He did mention Gemzar,  but did say, I did well on topotecan,  could try again,  or move to Doxil.   I am so discouraged at this point.  I did research and see there is really nothing new out there.  

I hope your results turn out well for you.

Thanks
Amy

[gah_70]

What is your doctor saying?  Have you tried Gemzar yet?  Thanks to Helen, I learned it is a common practice for doctors to go to Gemzar after Topotecan so it can "clean up" anything negative Topotocan may have done.  I am currently on Doxil and Gemzar, but learned yesterday my cancer is low grade, so those treatments may not be doing anything for me.  Going to wait a few more rounds before I totaly give it up, though.  Gemzar can be rough, but I do know several who have good luck with it.  When do you see your doctor again?

Gail