CA-125 going up during Chemo

I was Diag with Stage 4 in March 2009. Had major debulking surgery. Had Cancer in 3 out of 6 lymp nodes taken. Surgeon got all of tumor, and what was left was millimeters that he said chemo would take care of. I would like some input on rising CA-125. Before Surgery Ca was 7338. Post surgery dropped to 2880. Before 1st treatment 6550. Before 2nd Treatment 6338. Now 8697, I have 3rd Treatment on June 16th. I feel great. Although, I am having some issues with by bowels, I tend to be going alot, but no constipation or dirarrea. I am tolerating treatment very well. Carbo/Taxol with possible Advastin (on clinical trial). I had a cat scan done April 28th, and they mentioned a possible enlarged lymp node in the pelvic area. But everything else looked OK. Has anyone ever had this happen before. I am having alot of people tell me to wait until after the 3rd treatment, and my numbers will start to drop. HELP I am so confused and scared, that this stuff is coming back.

Shari

By curiouscat
Posted June 9, 2009 at 12:56 pm
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I have read many posts on this website and others that it's normal for your CA-125 levels to rise or at least not to fall at the beginning of chemo so the people who are telling you to wait are probably right.

Good luck!

By gpawelski
Posted June 9, 2009 at 1:05 pm
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Remember, advanced ovarian cancer commonly involves bowel walls. With conventional chemotherapy, as the tumor melts away, new connective tissue forms a patch. But Avastin can inhibit the growth of capillaries into newly forming normal tissue, as well as in tumor tissue. The problem is a direct result of the drug's ability to kill tumor cells that have replaced healthy bowel tissue, leading to a dead area that then perforates.

There are good sides and bad sides to all drugs. What needs to be learned, and obviously sometimes the hard way, is how do drugs work. This is particularly true when they are biologics, they can be working in ways and speed that we arn't used to. It is a learning process and it can be a painful one. Avastin is still a very good drug, but we just need to learn how to use it.

By llj
Posted June 10, 2009 at 8:00 am
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Thank you for sharing! sometimes what you share is a bit over my head, a bit technical, but always informative and this one was news to me as my doc has said if/when I have recurrence we'll use Avastin. So, I read everything I can get on it.

Thanks!
Lynda

By gpawelski
Posted June 10, 2009 at 12:24 pm
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There is no right decision or wrong decision, just an informed decision.

This information was recently published in the June edition of The Lancet Oncology.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151514.php

By quacker
Posted June 12, 2009 at 12:06 am
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It's not unusual for the CA 125 to go up in the early stages of chemo. The CA 125 is a substance (antigen) found on the surface of the cancer cell. As these cells die, they fall apart, releasing more antigen into the blood stream. Doctors always look for a trend of at least 3 rising values before getting concerned.

By Laurel-J
Posted June 12, 2009 at 9:46 am
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I agree with the previous posts. For me, the CA-125 is not necessarily a good method to measure response. RE: the lymph node enlargement, has the Oncologist ruled out PET scan for more information? I've had PET/CT scans that further determined CT scan questions.

You're early in your treatment, sometimes it just takes time to settle down.

By Jama
Posted June 12, 2009 at 10:08 am
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Shari------I was diag w/stage 3 in April '07. Had major debulking, followed to treatments similar to what you are receiving now. CA-125 started @ 3000, dropped to 14--after first 6 treatments, we took a break, then the #'s began to raise. Now, 2 yrs out & several treatments later, the CA-125 is 3208! Needless to say, I'm frustrated. Do not know what to think. Just began treatments using drug called "topotecan". So far, the side effects are similar to previous drugs---just feeling really tired. I hope this remains, but, also want to see some results. The C-scan showed a couple new spots on spleen, some lylmph glands enlarged in abdomen---they were there before, but, now more enlarged. A couple new lymph glands around stomach & liver. I would like to hear how your treatments go--like you, I've been encouraged to be patient w/progress, but, it does get frustrating and scary at times. I hope this helps you somewhat. My faith is what I hold on to the most!

By Shar123
Posted June 12, 2009 at 11:50 am
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I want to Thank everyone for their support and input. I have racked my brain, trying to figure this out. It is good to hear from you guys that know more than I know. I need to keep the faith, and know the lord will take care of it.

God Bless and Take Care,

Shari

By Shar123
Posted June 12, 2009 at 11:52 am
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I dont Know yet. I go to the doctor Tuesday June 8th, I did talk to him, and he want to do one more treatment, and a cat scan before he changes anything.

God Bless,
Shari

By MinnieM
Posted June 12, 2009 at 11:56 am
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My CA-125 actually rose after surgery, and then again after the first treatment before it finally began to come down. According to my doctor inflammation (which surgery and chemo both can cause) can cause higher numbers along with the death of cancer cells, as others stated above.

After the 3rd treatment, the doctor can evaluate with CT or PET scan to make sure there is no evidence of new disease. If there is, they will switch you to another type of chemo. There are a lot of drugs in the arsenal; so, they will find something that works.

Good luck,
Minnie

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