Caelyx - Ovarian cancer

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Hi, my cancer (stage 3c now 4). was unfortunately discovered late after many trips to GP. I had a great surgeon in Southampton who truly saved my life.  After Debulking and many different types of chemo my first Caelyx infusion was 4 wks ago.  
My question is if there is no decrease in CA 125 figures just prior to the 2 infusion does this signal that drug is not working.  If anyone has experience of this drug and its outcome please advise as I have no idea where I go from here.  

  • Hello , My mum had 2 cycles of caleyx ( which I thought were not enough) and then her oncologist scanned her. Mum on Paclitaxil now. Hope this helps.

  • Hi

    I was diagnosed with 3c ovarian cancer in September 2023 and had three sessions of chemo followed by debulking operation and another three sessions of chemo which finished in April 2024.  This was followed by regrowth of hair, recovery period including 3 monthly blood test for monitoring during which time I managed to live a pretty satisfactory life. Unfortunately, CA125 test shown a slight rise in markers in November 2024 and another greater rise in February 2025.  I am now awaiting my third treatment of a mix of carboplatin and Caelyx.  My markers were not nearly as high as when I was first diagnosed with cancer when I was returned for treatment but I was told not to expect an immediate lowering after this treatment.  I am due to have a scan after my third chemo session to see whether the results warrant having three further sessions of this mix.  That is as much as I know so far.  No result of how it is progressing has been forthcoming.  Do let me know if you find anything out as I am also a little in the dark at the moment

  • Hi Pauline

    Seems to be the way things are.  Did ask my oncologist his thoughts and apart from saying everyone is different he was really not very encouraging re a positive result for me, but you never know, hope and courage go a long way.  I have had two sessions of Caelyx now and will be having a ct scan prior to the next one in just over three wks.  Before starting Caelyx I had two sessions of Carboplatin/Avastin, the first session reduced ca 125 numbers but the second didn’t so now I know Carboplatin is not effective anymore. I am currently getting 3 wkly infusions of Avastin and 4wkly infusions of Caelyx.  I have read recently that it might take 3 sessions to see any benefit and that while ca 125 numbers don’t show it the ct scan might be more positive.  That’s what I am banking on.
    I am going after a second opinion now as it looks like I may have to see what trials are available and I have no idea where or how to start searching or even the cost involved.  I want to try and to have all the knowledge possible to hand so I can move quickly forward. 
    One great thing to come out of this, hopefullly this will raise a smile, is that I suit really short hair.  I am about to lose it again for the third time but have two wigs on standby.  
    Stay strong, stay positive.  When I get more information will let you know.  
    I hope you are not experiencing too many of the side effects of Caelyx. 
    Thank you for your reply, meant so much.

  • Hi Zander 71

    It looks as though you and I are in very much the same stage of treatment at the moment so I get a kind of cold comfort from that - although it looks as though you are being more proactive than I am at the moment.  So thank you for replying.  As you say it means a lot to be able to share.  I lost all my hair after the second session with the first line chemo I had but so far this time it's stayed put but changed texture somewhat.  I already had short hair (as a concession to my age) anyway but also found the very short regrowth style quite flattering.  We have to make the most of any positives that come.  All the best with all your future decisions and treatments.  If anything of note comes to me will be in touch 

  • Looks as if similar paths as you say.  Will keep you informed as soon as anything of note happens.  Wishing you well, enjoy the good days when they happen.  Kind regards