Predicting Chemotherapy Response in Ovarian Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): F.G. Lawton, M. Griffin, J.A. Slack, G. Blackledge
Primary Institution: University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
Can urinary polyamine excretion patterns predict the response to chemotherapy in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer?
Conclusion
A doubling of urinary spermidine levels within 48 hours after chemotherapy is a strong indicator of a positive response to treatment in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 19 out of 39 patients responded to chemotherapy.
- A two-fold increase in spermidine levels occurred exclusively in patients who responded to treatment.
- Patients with no response showed little change in spermidine excretion.
Takeaway
Doctors can check a patient's urine after chemotherapy to see if certain chemicals are higher; if they are, the treatment is likely working.
Methodology
Urinary polyamine levels were measured before and after chemotherapy in 39 patients, and changes were correlated with treatment response.
Limitations
UPA levels vary widely and have a sensitivity of only around 40%, making them poor markers for ovarian cancer.
Participant Demographics
Patients with biopsy-proven epithelial ovarian cancer, FIGO stage III or IV.
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