First-line treatment for ovarian cancer typically includes a platinum-based drug regimen, according to CancerConnect.com. This includes drugs like carboplatin and cisplatin. Those patients whose cancer progresses within six months of platinum based chemotherapy are considered to have platinum resistant ovarian cancer. Various chemotherapy drugs exist for the treatment for this kind of ovarian cancer, although these are considered second line treatments.
Gemcitabine
Gemcitabine is the generic name of the brand name chemotherapy drug Gemzar. The drug is an anti-metabolite and interferes with the production of cell DNA and RNA, eventually causing cell death, according to the American Cancer Society. It is given intravenously as an infusion over 30 minutes, and the exact dosing schedule can vary. Common side effects of Gemzar can include lowered white and red blood cell counts, which can increase your risk of infection and anemia; appetite loss; fatigue; fever; swelling of the arms and legs; nausea and vomiting. Blood tests to monitor your kidney and liver function will typically be done while taking this drug, since it can adversely affect these organs.
Doxorubicin Liposome
Doxorubicin liposome, otherwise known as the brand name drug Doxil, is also used to treat ovarian cancer that is platinum resistant. Doxil is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug, and is similar to simple doxorubicin but is surrounded by a layer of fat. This prevents the immune system from attacking the drug and enables it to target the cancer, says the American Cancer Society. The drug is administered intravenously, usually over an hour. Side effects of this drug can include lowered white and red blood cell counts, mouth and throat sores, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and pain or tingling in the hands and feet. Urine may also have a red or brown tinge to it for a few days after treatment due to the drug.
Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel, the generic name for Taxol, is a taxane chemotherapy drug. According to chemocare.com, it can also be classified as a plant alkaloid. It is given intravenously, and may cause allergic reactions in some individuals when administered. Side effects of paclitaxel can include lowered white and red blood cell counts, diarrhea, mouth sores, hair loss, joint and muscle pain and numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. Paclitaxel is typically either combined with the platinum-based drugs cisplatin or carboplatin, or alone if platinum-based chemotherapy has failed, says Johns Hopkins Pathology.
Topotecan
According to Johns Hopkins Pathology, some studies have shown that the chemotherapy drug topotecan has similar response rates to paclitaxel in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Topotecan is also known by its brand name, Hycamtin. It is a topoisomerase I inhibitor, says the American Cancer Society, and is either given intravenously over 30 minutes or orally as a capsule. Common side effects include lowered white and red blood cell counts, nausea or vomiting and hair loss or thinning.
References
- CancerConnect.com: Gemzar and Doxil similarly effective against platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Drug Guide: Gemcitabine
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Drug Guide: Doxorubicin Liposome
- Johns Hopkins Pathology: Ovarian Cancer: Treatment
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Drug Guide: Topotecan
