Now to try topotecan

[Fishfinger4]

Hello everyone, I’m new here and wonder if anyone has had a similar experience. I was diagnosed with probable ovarian cancer in September 2019, although the histology was, apparently, not easy to classify. I had a few rounds of carboplatin/paclitaxel, which help things at bay for a while, then 3 doses of Caelyx which apparantly was not working although I felt well on it. I’ve now been offered topotecan, i.v., five days on, two weeks off, and wonder if anyone else has tried this and how they got on. If this fails I may have another biopsy as there may then be more options. What a nasty disease this is - I now have significant back pain which is annoying as I loved my walks. ☹️

[Neona]

The biopsy may give you the info needed to look into clinical trials.

[Cbyrdie]

I have not heard of topotecan, but I’d get a biopsy then they can direct your treatment with better information as to which one you’re fighting. Best wishes ❤️

[AusTig]

My oncologist is suggesting topotecan for me as I have developed platinum resistance and have reactions to a number of drugs. I have not heard of others on it, so, like you I would be interested if anyone has had it.

[Fishfinger4 in reply to AusTig]

I am due to start next week, and will let you know how it goes, AusTig.

[AusTig in reply to Fishfinger4]

Thanks. I will be interested to see how you go. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Fishfinger4 in reply to AusTig]

Hi. I completed my five daily infusions of topotecan yesterday. It was quite straightforward, half an hour for the topotecan plus a bit of time for flushing etc. I’ve had no ill effects so far but was given antisickness with the infusion so that may change over the next few days. Now for two weeks off, then for another week of daily visits to chemocare! I hope if goes well for you, keep in touch.

By the way, I had a fierce reaction to paclitaxel so was a little wary of a new drug, but had no reaction at all.

[Sanssa in reply to Fishfinger4]

Hi. Did Your ca125 numbers gone down?

[Fishfinger4 in reply to Sanssa]

Yes, I’ve now had 3 sessions of topotecan. I’m off it now as I became quite anaemic and was asleep a lot, and a scan showed slight progression in spite of the ca125 coming down. They are reassessing at a multidisciplinary meeting next week.

[Sanssa in reply to Fishfinger4]

Thank You for reply. My mum is on topotecan as well. 5 days on, 2 weeks off. After first five daily infusions, ca125 doubled, thinking that its not working for her... On Monday mum will see her oncologist.

[Fishfinger4 in reply to Sanssa]

Best of luck to your mum.

[Sanssa in reply to Fishfinger4]

Thank You, best of luck for You either!