Recurrent platinum drug resistant primary peritoneal cancer
Recurrent Platinum Drug Resistant Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Primary peritoneal cancer is a rare type of cancer that forms in the cells found in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen. It is also known as primary peritoneal carcinoma. This type of cancer is very similar to ovarian cancer and is usually treated with the same types of therapies. However, a minority of cases become resistant to the treatments, such as cisplatin, making them recurrent and more difficult to treat.
About 10-15 percent of all patients with ovarian cancer present with recurrent platinum drug resistant diseases. Recurrent platinum drug resistant primary peritoneal cancer occurs when the specially designed platinum-based chemotherapy drugs cannot kill the rapidly growing cancer cells any longer. Cisplatin is the most common culprit of this scenario, since it is used so often to treat primary peritoneal cancer.
When this type of cancer gains resistance to the platinum drugs, future chemotherapy treatments are more difficult to achieve, and the outlook for curing the disease is dim. As of now, no known treatments have been proven to be effective in curing recurrent platinum drug resistant primary peritoneal cancer.
Fortunately, there are some steps that can be taken to manage the disease in the form of palliative or supportive care measures. Such treatments may include surgery to remove affected areas, such as tumors, and the use of pain relief medications. Additional therapies may include targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which stimulate the body’s natural defenses against the cancerous cells.
While it’s important to remain positive, it is also critical to remember that there is no known cure for recurrent platinum drug resistant primary peritoneal cancer. Careful monitoring of the disease by a qualified oncologist should be part of the treatment plan. Additionally, patients should discuss any lifestyle changes they can make to help support their overall health while living with this type of cancer.
What Patients Should Do
- Discuss treatment options with a qualified oncologist
- Be aware of how lifestyle changes can support overall health
- Be aware of treatment measures available for symptom relief
- Stay informed of new treatments and therapies related to recurrent platinum drug resistant primary peritoneal cancer