My mom has ovarian ca, stage 4 in Febr. 3 cycles of chemo with carboplatin and taxol. Will have surgery. Intraperetonealchemo what to expect

[rgrinbla]

any experience? Thank you

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome. I'm sorry to hear about your Mom. It's hard to say what it is she should expect since everyone's disease is different and how they handle it is different. You didn't say what country you're from. I'm presuming it's the US. There are a few people here who've had intra peritoneal chemo and they may reply soon. However, this type of treatment isn't standard here and those having it have taken part in a trial. Meanwhile, sending love to you and your Mom. Love T xx

[rgrinbla]

Yes, we are in New York City, US. And in Sloan katering onlocological center. They insisting on it together with Intravenous

[Hidden]

I've heard that intra peritoneal has had good results. It was my hope to have that but I found out it wasn't used here. I think the trial was in Bristol, England though can't be totally sure. I'm amazed that intra peritoneal is given as standard though. I wonder what evidence there is for its use? Xx

[rgrinbla in reply to Hidden]

Me too.

[vipervictoria in reply to rgrinbla]

Intraperitoneal chemo has been standard in the US since 2006, but only when you've had optimal debulking. A number of studies have shown it can be more effective. BUT a few UK oncologists have been using it for many years. If the patient consents and meets the criteria, there is no reason why it cannot be used here. I think it's scandalous that women who are suitable and prepared to try to tolerate a tough regime are in general not given the opportunity. Vxxx

[wendydee]

Hi!

All the best with your support for your Mum and for her treatment. It may help to understand the options etc if you have a look on ovacome.org.uk

There's a 'resources' heading on the left and under there, you'll find Factsheets. They relate to UK treatment but there may some info in there that helps.

All the best for your Mum and you.

Love Wendy xx

[Hidden]

Hi i am sorry that you have reason to join us but welcome.... I am not familiar with US treatment, although like others have said there has been a few trials with this particular method of administering chemo and I know of at least one member on this site that has had this... But she is away at the moment so might not come on... It might be a good idea to join an American support group like inspire because they would be familiar with the US way of doing things.... You will get support on here though.

Best wishes love x G x

[TheOvacomeTeam Partner]

Dear All,

Apologies to rgrinbla but as the conversation has drifted a bit and may be searchable we felt it important to ...chip in.

I.P. has been widely offered throughout the USA since the publication of a study (undertaken in the USA) by Deborah Armstrong in 2004. The study demonstrated a highly significant survival advantage for women who had their chemo given via the I.P. route, however here are many controversial issues with this study - the chemo used, the fact that the control arm (Non IP group) had 'worse' treatment, the fact that the a very high number of women had to stop their I.P. treatment early due to significant side effects and problems such as infections in the catheters etc. Also there was consternation because previous I.P. trials had not shown any/or similar advantages. Thus the majority of Gynae oncologists at the International Gynae Cancer Society meeting where it was presented in 2006 were not persuaded to change their practice at that time.

To read more please see page 11 in the newsletter here: ovacome.org.uk/media/38705/...

Ovacome was consistent in pushing for a post Armstrong I.P. study which addresses the criticisms made but it is a challenging scientific question and difficult to do in many countries and took a long time to get agreement. We have now however got the post Armstrong study needed. Its a study called PETROC which has just been given permission by the data monitoring committee to go from phase 2 to phase 3. This means that the study has thus far shown that IP can be safely given, and has met its 'go' criteria. Chris Gallagher wrote about the study in our newsletter a few years ago and you can watch his recent interview about PETROC here:

ecancer.org/video/2399/petr...

It will be a few years yet before we discover the results as the phase 3 hasn't started yet, but we will report any updates as we hear them. (Frustrating indeed, but that's why trial participation and international collaboration is so important) The good news is that there have been significant developments since the Armstrong study and we can see from the PETROC phase 2 data that there is now a much lower rate of complications and side effects. So a work in progress, but looks promising!

There will be a PETROC update in the forthcoming newsletter, and at Members day.