Ovarian Cancer - Medications

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Administration of Chemotherapy

In addition to studying individual drugs in different combinations, investigators are looking for the optimal sequence, dosages and timing of administering them. In general, the typical regimen is as follows:

Paclitaxel and carboplatin are administered in an outpatient clinic within several weeks of the surgery.

Each treatment takes about 4 -5 hours to complete.

It is repeated every 3 weeks for a total of six times. (Each 3-week interval is known as a cycle of chemotherapy.)

Such chemotherapy is usually administered intravenously (by vein). However, an important 2006 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with stage III ovarian cancer who received intraperitoneal chemotherapy had a significant survival advantage compared with patients who received standard intravenous chemotherapy. (Intraperitoneal chemotherapy involves administering the drugs directly into the abdominal cavity.) Patients in the intraperitoneal group did have more severe side effects than those who had intravenous chemotherapy. Researchers are continuing to investigate ways to reduce these side effects. Another 2006 study noted that intraperitoneal chemotherapy requires careful catheter insertion and maintenance, and that doctors need to be well trained to perform this procedure.

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Side effects occur with all chemotherapeutic drugs. They are more severe with higher doses and increase over the course of treatment. Some may be long-lasting. In a 2002 study of ovarian cancer survivors, 20% had long-term treatment side effects, such as gynecologic and abdominal problems. Even so, most enjoyed a high quality of life that was comparable to other cancer survivors and peers without a history of cancer.

Common side effects include:

Nausea and vomiting. Drugs known as serotonin antagonists, especially ondansetron (Zofran), can relieve these side effects in nearly all patients given moderate drugs and most patients who take more powerful drugs.

Diarrhea

Temporary hair loss

Weight loss

Fatigue

Depression