Paclitaxel (Taxol) for ovarian cancer
Article Abstract:
Paclitaxel (Taxol) appears to be temporarily and partially effective in the treatment of ovarian cancer. It is extracted from the bark of the Western yew tree, which is found primarily in the Pacific northwest. Taxol is used to treat cancer because it appears to interfere with cell replication. Of 111 women with ovarian cancer, 20% to 36% responded at least partially to treatment with paclitaxel alone. The treatment response rates ranged from 24% to 30% among women with cancer that was resistant to platinum therapy. Side effects associated with paclitaxel include shortness of breath, low blood pressure, hair loss and nerve and muscle pain. Preliminary studies have suggested that paclitaxel may also be effective in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer and head and neck cancer.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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OncoScint for detection of disseminated colorectal and ovarian cancer
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the use of OncoScint (Cytogen Corp) in the diagnosis of metastatic colorectal and ovarian tumors. OncoScint is the trade name of indium-111-satumomab pendetide, a diagnostic imaging agent. Satumomab pendetide is a chelating agent attached to a monoclonal antibody that binds to a specific antigen on certain tumors, including colorectal and ovarian tumors. The chelating agent in turn binds indium-111, whose radioactivity can be detected once the antibody is bound to the tumor. Studies have found that imaging with OncoScint can be as effective as CT imaging. Side effects include fever, chills, rash, nausea and diarrhea. Its estimated cost is $1,200 to $1,500. It is not effective in detecting metastases to the liver, nor in detecting primary ovarian cancer.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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