Complete response to radiation therapy in a patient with chemotherapy-resistant ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2002 Dec;267(2):98-100. doi: 10.1007/s00404-001-0258-3.

Abstract

Recurrent ovarian cancer after front-line chemotherapy is incurable. In most institutions, chemotherapy is continued as salvage therapy after primary chemotherapy failure and despite the fact that long-term survival and complete responses are infrequent. Radiation therapy for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer has often been done with palliative intent. A patient with ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma received irradiation with palliative intent to the whole pelvis after chemotherapy (paclitaxel, carboplatin, and irinotecan) produced no effect. Although she developed a rectovaginal fistula due to cancer invasion during radiation therapy. One year and half after the therapy, she is still alive with no evidence of disease. In an effort to maximize salvage potential and quality of life while minimizing toxicity, selected patients with ovarian cancer should be treated with radiation therapy directed to residual or recurrent sites.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / diagnosis
  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / pathology
  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell / radiotherapy*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Camptothecin / administration & dosage
  • Camptothecin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Carboplatin / administration & dosage
  • Drug Resistance
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Irinotecan
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
  • Retreatment

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Irinotecan
  • Carboplatin
  • Paclitaxel
  • Camptothecin