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Ovarian Cancer: Should I go on Maintenance Therapy?
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My name is Diana and I was diagnosed with Stage 3B ovarian cancer in April. Just finished my last chemo treatment two weeks ago. I need to decide if I want to go on a maintenance drug (Neraparid) or not. I am BRCA neg, but am HRD positive and have a high LOH score. From what I could decipher from the trial done with this drug, it looks like I could on avg only add 10 months of progression free survival. I am still dealing with the neuropathy side effect in my feet from chemo. I can't imagine starting a new drug now, even if it is not as potent as my chemo drugs. I also really don't want to be feeling sick and tired for a year or two, if I have those side effects. I have been on medical leave but have to return to work in a few weeks at an elementary school. Possible side effects and monthly blood draws, just seems like a challenge when working full time. My question to the group is if there is anyone who has chosen not to go on a maintenance drug. How are you doing? Is there anyone who has gone on the maintenance drug but wishes they had not? I really want to give my body a chance to heal from chemo. and I really am trying to make healthy lifestyle choices (diet, exercise, sleep, emotional support, etc.) in hopes to support my bodies own healing abilities. I am thrilled Mayo offers integrative health support and have been taking advantage of all that is offered!
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Hi Janet, and welcome. You'll notice that I moved your question about choosing which maintenance therapy to take Zejula (niraparib) or Avastin (bevacizumab) or Lynparza (olaparib) to this existing discussion that @dianainstaug started.
- Ovarian Cancer: Should I go on Maintenance Therapy? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/maintenance-therapy/
I did this so you can click the link to read the previous posts and connect easily with fellow ovarian cancer thrivers like @pauldale4 @starko @susu2 @odette @tamcbart @heather2020 @azovercomer and more, who can share their experiences.
Janet, are in involved in the decision-making with the team, i.e., to give feedback on which side effects you feel more comfortable dealing with?
My name is Janet and I have stage III ovarian cancer. Just had my 1st 3 month follow up after completing 6 chemo treatments. My CA125 has risen from 12 to 64 in 3 months. CT shows new small lymph node. My Gyn/OC team is discussing which maintenance therapy I should try.
Avastin, Lynparza or Zejula. Can anyone give me any advice?
Stparker54: yes, I did a CT scan about 6 weeks ago and it was all clear, but my oncologist says it is too soon to tell. I am going to Mayo, AZ in November to have a PET/Ct scan, etc.
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1 Reactionstarko: I am sorry to hear this. Have you taken CT-Scans to confirm this?stparker54
Standards are CA125<=30; HE4, S<=140. I am over the standard readings, but more important is the fact that they both have been rising for the past 4 consecutive tumor markers. It is the beginning of a spread.
Starko: your CA125 level still looks good. I don't know enough about HE4,S to say what's normal or not stparker54
To Stparker54... CA125=34; HE4,S=158
I think my CA125 went to 147 and I’ll have to ask about HE4. Either they don’t do that test or it’s called something else.
starko: by how much did your CA125 and HE4.S spoke? stparker
Hi Diana. Thank you so much for your interest and INTEL. So glad to have you as a friend.