By Sandra Ray, Staff Writer
One reason that ovarian cancer is a likely
candidate for recurring is due to its low rate of
early detection. In cancers other than stage I
cancers, the disease has spread outside the ovaries
and pelvis, making it more difficult to determine
its extent. Doctors at Johns Hopkins Pathology
estimate that between 70 and 90 percent of women who
are first treated for ovarian cancer will have their
cancer recur.
These findings make continuing follow-up
treatment with the oncologist and the patient’s
gynecologist especially important. Early detection
is, of course, one of the best ways to treating
ovarian cancer if it does recur. Tests to detect its
recurrence include blood tests for the CA125 protein
or tumor marker, CT and PET scan imaging, as well as
the possibility of additional surgical procedures.
When doctors decide to treat a recurring case of
ovarian cancer, there are many factors that need to
be taken into consideration. Some of these include:
- How long ago did the patient end their first
round of treatment? Patients who ended their
treatment only months prior have a lower
prognosis than does the patient who managed
several years in remission.
- How did the patient respond to chemotherapy
the first time? Since there are varying
tolerances to chemotherapy, those patients who
had issues relating to toxicity and low red
blood cell count will have different treatment
issues than those patients who had neither of
those issues.
- Where has the cancer recurred? While it is
possible to treat cancer that has recurred in
the abdomen area, patients who had or are still
having difficulties relating to GI issues may
have fewer treatment options than patients who
are not facing these problems.
- Is quality of life more important than
treatment of the disease? Doctors will admit
that not all recurrences of the disease are
treatable, although almost all are willing to
try those options until it becomes evident that
the treatment simply will not work. Some
patients and caregivers may decide that quality
of life is more important than the type of
treatment that will have to be endured in order
for the disease to move into remission again.
These areas are but a sampling of those issues
that doctors consider when deciding when to restart
treatment and the type of treatment that is used
when it is restarted. Communication at this point
becomes critical between the doctor, patient, and
caregiver to decide the best course of action.
Caregivers play an increasingly important role in
the treatment of ovarian cancer. From discussing
treatment options to helping patients understand the
staging and treatment options available, the
caregiver has a great deal of responsibility.
Research and communication are the keys to
understanding the disease, its progression, and the
type of treatment needed at any one particular
point.
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