Stage 4 ovarian cancer chemo has stopped working

[sreed]

Hi,
My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer 4/07 when she presented with pleural effusion and a possible mass on he ovary.  All ct scans of the abdoment were negative as far as I can tell other than the ovarian mass.  She had 6 rounds of paclitaxel plus carboplatin which kept the pleural effusion at bay (was drained at initial presentation) until the last treatment when her ca125 started increasing.  Surgery was done and then she went on doxorubricin for 3 treatments then the last one was a new drug that I can't remember the name of (used with alastin) and it didn't seem to be working.  As of 7/08 the Onc. decided to go back to the carboplatin alone and when that was started my mom's CA125 was over 2000 and the last 3 weeks she has developed quite a large ascites.  There doesn't appear to be any pleural effusion and a CT scan didn't show much other than some nodule where the ovarian cancer was.  My mom has done real well as far as side effects from the chemo.  Today she saw her onc. and she says the chemo isn't working and she will put in a port to drain the ascites.  My mom is uncomfortable with the ascites but appears to be pain free otherwise.  My ques. is this. Aren't there other chemo protocols to try still?  I read about things like tomoxifen and cytoxin and a few I haven't heard of.  They are referring her to the next step which sounds like trials and maybe other types of chemo that are new etc.  What's your thoughts on this port to drain the ascites?  The onc. was hesitant to drain it at all.  What's your thoughts on the possibilty of other chemo to try?  What about intraperitoneal treatment?  My mom is 81 and I don't want to subject her to a treatment that is horrible but she has had very few side effects of the chemo so far.  Thanks
Sreed

[crecco]

I am with the others on this, there are still many chemo options out there that they could try on your mom. Just draining the ascites is not all that is left. If her Dr does not or will not talk of other chemo options then I would look for another Dr.
      Chris

[withe]

adding to list: Alkeran, Navelbine, Irinotecan,Etoposide, Ifosomide and Mitomycin,surely there are options..... Definitely make sure mom gets her ascites drained she will feel much better and breathe easier. I agree with the statement above..if need be change doctors.

[vegas2cr]

There are plenty of chemos left...taxol, taxotere, adriamycin, doxil,cytoxin,gemzar,toptcan.tamoxifen,armidex alamata, carboplatnium, avastin and more some are inhibitors... These are just a few I could think of and I am not an oncologist... if need be change doctors...

[jlock]

I agree, there are so many chemo out there for her to try still.  Right off the top of my head there's Gemzar,Topotecan,abraxene and Doxil.  I also have a problem with ascites and right now have quite the build up.  I'm going to ask my Onc about putting it a port so I can drain it myself. Maybe you should seek a second opinion.  Good luck..I'll keep your Mom in my prayers~~~Joanne

[StillFighting]

Aren't there other chemo protocols to try still? I'm shocked her onc hasn't put her on the standard protocol of taxol/cysplatin right off. Yes indeed there are other options to try, dont let them treat your mother like a guinie pig until all other options have been exhausted.
intraperitoneal treatment is basically a port to give more localized access with minimal damage to the surrounding organs. It does give you a fuller feeling in the stomach and can be unconftorable for some people. I had no problems with it other than that fullness. not to mention it saves wear and tear on the veins.

Good luck to you and your mother