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low grade serous ovarian cancer treatments - UK

ddhd96
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Hi there, 

My mum was diagnosed last year with LGSOC stage 3c, and she got her full treatment in Turkey, which consisted of a total of 8 rounds of carboplatin+paclitaxel+bevacizumab and two debulking surgeries. Her scans and bloods were normal after these treatments.

When we returned to England, her oncologist here said to us that maintenance therapy and bevacizumab is not offered as a treatment course for low-grade cancer in the UK. Is this true? I've spoken to other patients and survivors and they claim to have received bevacizumab as a course of treatment for their low-grade ovarian cancer. 

I'm worried that her cancer is now recurring as her ca125 level has seen an increase to 35 this month. 

Please could you give me some clarity on if the oncologists' statement is in face true?

Many thanks, 

D

  • Dear ddhd96

     Thanks for getting in touch, my name is Sarah one of the Macmillan cancer information nurses. I hope you are finding the ovarian cancer group a supportive environment.

    I am sorry to read about your mum’s diagnosis of stage 3c ovarian cancer. It is understandable to want to learn more about treatment options and your mum’s team will be best placed to talk this through.

    Avastin has not been approved by NICE which is the regulatory body which decides which drugs and treatments are available on the NHS. It is available on the NHS in England through the cancer drugs fund, as first treatment for some people with advanced ovarian cancer alongside chemotherapy. For patients with advanced ovarian cancer Avastin is available as a maintenance treatment again through the Cancer drugs fund.

    Sometimes patients will ask for a second opinion or find out information about clinical trials when looking at what treatment may be available.

     I hope this helps to answer your question and if we can help with anything else, don’t hesitate at get back in touch for further support.

    Best wishes,

    Sarah S

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref/ JD/SS

    Sarah S-Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
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