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Hi,

I received two series of Carboplatin & Paclitaxel from 2023-24. With quick recurrence after the second series, I was changed to a combination of Avastin and Caelyx, but that's stopped working after a few months.

Now I have started weekly Paclitaxel only treatment. But it's been recently mentioned to me that combining Gemcitabine with Paclitaxel might be a more effective option, but that wasn't offered to me. Does anyone have any experience with this combination?

Thank you ..

@DeniseBR

Hi. It sounds like we are on a similar path. Are you HGSOC?

First, it sounds like you are on the standard of care path. In Ontario, standard of care drugs are funded for specific use. If they are not funded…you do not receive them unless you want to pay out of pocket  

When I was on weekly Paclitaxel, I asked about getting a combo treatment. I received a hard no to my request. I have done a lot of research and have seen many reports indicating combo treatments are usually more effective than monotherapy. So frustrating to be denied treatment options due to funding!!

I noticed in your contributions that you may be interested in clinical trials as well. Have you had an opportunity to speak to someone at PMH about that yet? Are you familiar with the clinicaltrials.gov site? 

FYI…I have been involved in 3 clinical trials - 1 in London, 2 at Princess Margaret. The last one did decrease my CA125 significantly and has decreased my tumours by more than 30% overall. The trial is now complete for me and I am in limbo waiting to see what's next. Either another trial or back to standard of care - depends on what my last CT shows. My next standard of care will be Gemcitibine. I have an appointment with my PMH care team next week.

Note: The trial is active but no longer recruiting.

FYI: I was diagnosed in 2019 and am on my 8th line of treatment. 

Let me know if you have any other questions.