List of ovarian cancer medications

Often detected in its later stages when it spreads to the stomach and pelvis, ovarian cancer is the type that occurs in the egg-producing female organs. While most cases do not have any symptom in the early stages, it becomes fatal and complicated to treat during the advanced stage. The very non-specific symptoms include loss of appetite and unusual weight loss. Patients who are experiencing a shift in bowel movement, discomfort in the pelvis area, and frequent urge to urinate need to consult a doctor immediately. 

Medications used for treating Ovarian Cancer

1. Melphalan

Melphalan is single-agent chemotherapy that is prescribed for the treatment of ovarian cancer in adults. It works by destroying the cancer cells and slowing down their further growth in the body. Melphalan 50 mg is given as an intravenous infusion over certain intervals. The dosage can be modified based on the condition of the patient. During the course of treatment, patients must avoid getting pregnant or breastfeeding. It can also interfere with the normal menstrual cycle. The average retail Melphalan price is $675.95, but one can get it at a wholesale rate from several pharmacies. 

2. Gemcitabine hydrochloride

This antineoplastic cytotoxic chemotherapy medication is given in combination with Carboplatin to treat ovarian cancer that has relapsed within 6 months of finishing the last treatment. It is administered intravenously once every 3 to 4 weeks as per the condition of the patient's demands. There are certain moderate side effects like skin rashes, itching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and temporary hair loss that can be managed easily in the gap between two doses where the body is given time to recover.  

3. Carboplatin

It is prescribed in combination with Paclitaxel as an initial treatment of Ovarian Cancer. At this stage, cancer must still be restricted to the ovaries for the treatment to take effect fully. Carboplatin 450mg is infused intravenously once every 4 weeks. The infusion takes about 30 minutes, and then the patient needs to stay back at the hospital for a few hours to let the doctor monitor the immediate after-effects. Usually, 6 cycles of treatment (24 weeks) can yield results, but in certain advanced cases, it can continue longer. The carboplatin price for a single vial of 45mL is 2769 INR.  

4. Olaparib

For the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer, Olaparib is given in combination with other drugs like Bevacizumab to conduct maintenance therapy in patients. It is also effective for patients who have received 2 to 3 lines of chemotherapy prior to this. For refractory conditions, Olaparib is prescribed with Rucaparib to shrink the tumor. The medication is effective in patients where cancer has a specific genetic mutation – BRCA. 

5. Cisplatin

So far, Cisplatin qualifies as the most active drug for the treatment of Ovarian Cancer. It is a chemo drug that is administered intravenously at certain intervals (weeks). To treat advanced conditions, Cisplatin is also given at a high dose in combination with Vinblastine, Ifosfamide, and Etoposide. Before receiving Cisplatin 50 mg, your doctor will provide you with IV fluids for about 8 to 12 hours. For IP chemotherapy, the drug will be injected directly into the abdominal cavity. If you have a hearing impairment and bone marrow suppression, the medication can worsen the conditions. 

6. Niraparib

Patients who have responded fairly to platinum-based chemotherapy can benefit from this medication to slow down the progression rate of ovarian cancer. It is a highly selective oral PARP 1 and PARP 2 inhibitor that is also prescribed as maintenance therapy for recurrent conditions. The dosage for first-line maintenance treatment is determined based on the body weight and platelet count of the patient. For a supply of 100mg 30 capsules, the cost of Niraparib is $7588. 

7. Paclitaxel

It is prescribed in both primary and advanced stages of ovarian cancer. Doctors can also prescribe it with the chemo drug Carboplatin. It is administered as an infusion in the veins. Few patients can have allergic reactions as a result of this. To prevent that, your doctor can prescribe a few medications after transfusion. Paclitaxel 100 mg is given every 3 weeks, but the recent clinical studies show that it had worked more efficiently when the time span was reduced to one week. However, it entirely depends upon the extent of the disease. Paclitaxel price is 5000 INR for a vial of 16.7mL.

Final Words

Ovarian cancer has a better chance of getting completely cured if diagnosed and treated in the initial stages. As it spreads, the chances become slim, and the situation gets deadlier. So far, there have been different drug regimens for the treatment of this condition. Minor side effects are common and can be managed easily since they're not persistent.