Carbo/Gemzar trial

[Hazel30]

My Mom is starting carboplatin gemzar trial tomorrow.  Its been 1.5 years since her carboplatin allergic reaction and her doctor recommends trying it again.  Im sure they will be very careful while administering the drug but what are the chances of having another allergic reaction and may it come in the 2nd or 3rd treatment not necessarily the first infusion.  My Mom is so scared about this but Im sure her doctor knows best.  Also, what is the success with this trial?
thank you for any info
Fiana

[jane65]

Hi Fiana,
I'm just wondering why her doctor is recommending the drug she had an allergic reaction to, in the past. There are so many OVCA chemo drugs to try, and this is causing her stress and fear.
I'm sure that you and she have discussed her options with the doctor, but maybe another discussion is warranted.
Jane

[gah_70]

Hi Fiana,

I don't know any specifics on how likely it would be that she'd have another allergic reaction, but since many carbo reactions are caused because it is being infused too quickly, I'd think maybe if they slowed it down, she'd be less likely to have a reaction.  Does her doctor administer Benedryl and/or Decadron before her treatments?  I haven't had Carbo since I had my allergic reaction, but my new doctor says if the time comes for me to try it again, he'd be willing to send me to an allergist to work on building a resistance to the allergy.  I believe it was alanpvegas' mom who was admitted to the hospital and had carbo administered over the course of a couple of days to lessen the chances of a reaction.  I'm sure her doctor has something in mind.  Best wishes to her on the carbo/Gemzar trial.  I really hope this is the one that will do the trick for her!

Gail