Dr. Chase on Toxicities of Treatments for Ovarian Cancer

Dana M. Chase, MD, FACOG, an associate professor at Creighton University, University of Arizona College of Medicine, and gynecologist oncologist with Arizona Oncology, discusses the toxicity profiles and managing side effects of treatments for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

The biggest side effect of paclitaxel, one of the most commonly used drugs for ovarian cancer, is hair loss, explains Chase. When combined with carboplatin, paclitaxel can also cause fatigue and neuropathy. Nausea and vomiting are also common side effects with various other chemotherapy regimens.

Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a very well-tolerated drug and most of the toxicities are manageable. There are medications to manage the hypertension allowing bevacizumab to be taken long term, states Chase.