Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and is used in treating ovarian cancer. Chemotherapy drugs may be given intravenously, orally via a capsule, intramuscularly, or inserted into a body cavity like the abdomen through a catheter, depending on the drug given, the cancer being treated and the specific treatment regimen. Chemotherapy is given in cycles, with weeks of treatment followed by a week or more of no treatment, to allow your body to rest and prepare for the next treatment cycle. There are many different types of chemotherapy drugs, and the specific ones for your treatment will depend on your overall health and the characteristics of your cancer.
Cisplatin (Platinol)
Cisplatin, generic for the brand name drug Platinol, is a chemotherapy drug commonly used in the treatment of ovarian cancer. It is a platinum-compound-based medication that stops cancer cells from growing and causes cell death. It is typically given intravenously over an hour, but administration times vary. You might be given other drugs with cisplatin to help flush the medication out of your kidneys, and drinking plenty of fluids can also help to reduce the risk of any kidney damage while on this medication. Common side effects of cisplatin include nausea, vomiting, lowered white and red blood cell counts (leading to increased risk of infection and anemia), changes in the way food tastes and swelling in your feet and legs. Peripheral neuropathy may also result from this drug, which is nerve damage in your feet and hands, causing numbness, tingling, a feeling of "pins and needles" and temperature sensitivity.
Carboplatin (Paraplatin)
Carboplatin, or Paraplatin, is similar to cisplatin. It is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of ovarian cancer. This chemotherapy drug is given intravenously over 15 to 60 minutes, along with an anti-nausea drug to mitigate any feelings of nausea that may occur. Typical side effects of carboplatin include lowered white and red blood cell counts, brittle hair, kidney damage at high doses and peripheral neuropathy.
Paclitaxel (Taxol)
Paclitaxel, also known as the brand-name drug Taxol, is a taxane chemotherapy drug that interferes with structures in cells that causes problems in cell replication and eventually, cell death. This medication is administered intravenously over a three-hour period, typically every three weeks. Other medications to lessen the possibility of an allergic reaction to paclitaxel may also be given. Common side effects include lowered white and red blood cell counts, hair loss, mild diarrhea, nausea or vomiting and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
Gemcitabine (Gemzar)
Gemcitabine, or Gemzar, is a medication used to treat ovarian cancer that interferes with DNA and RNA in cells, which stops cells from growing and causes cell death. This drug is given intravenously over 30 minutes, and the regimen may vary, depending on the cancer being treated and how your body is responding to the medication. Common side effects of gemcitabine include lowered white and red blood cell counts, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, swelling of the arms and legs and fever. This medication may also cause kidney damage, and your doctor will monitor you for any changes in kidney function.
