Mom's Stage IV OC - Recurrence - may seek clinical trials. Thanks for any input. :)

[Noni1973]

First, I want to say happy new year everyone! I am so glad all of you have each others for support in this journey. I joined this group on behalf of my mom, who was diagnosed with stage IV Ovarian Cancer back in May of 2019. I was looking for support but also wanted to hear other peoples stories, tips, experiences, etc...

Since May 2019, my mom has been a warrior and has undergone chemotherapy (neoadjuvant) followed by debulking surgery, then more chemo (Taxol) - all of which was successful. Then in April 2020, her CA125 started to climb so she started back on chemo (Doxil/Avastin) which failed, then switched Taxol/Avastin which was working for a while but has recently lost its efficacy. Her oncologist (who has been awesome by the way) recommended just started a new chemo treatment (Gemzar/Carboplatin) to see how she responds, but also mentioned clinical trials. I have started researching clinical trials in case we need to go down that road.

I am wondering if any of you have any experience or advice on clinical trials, research centers or anything above that you would be willing to share.

Also, this feels weird to ask... any advice on what to say to your loved one when they tell you their CA125 has gone up.

Thank you for letting me share my story. Wishing each and everyone of you the best and some much needed peace for 2021.

[Canoer]

Aloha! So sorry that your mom had a reoccurrence. Gemzar/Carbo hits the cancer pretty hard so hopefully it will get her numbers down. As for clinical trials you can check clinicaltrials.gov and you can narrow the search by putting in ovarian and recruiting and location that your willing to go. You can also narrow by what phase of trial that your willing to try. Phase 1 they give you the max drug and record side effects. Phase 2 and on, they usually have the drug amounts figured out. Has your mom tried PARP inhibitors yet? If not it's another treatment to put in your pocket also their are immunotherapy drugs such as Keytruda that can be tried. So she has a few options besides going into a trial. Hope this helps! Wishing you and her the best.