topotecan - NICE guidance summary
Last reviewed 10/2020
Summary points include:
- topotecan should be considered as one option for second-line (or subsequent) treatment of advanced ovarian cancer where the disease is initially resistant or refractory to first-line platinum based combination therapy or has become resistant after successive courses of platinum based combination therapy
- topotecan is not recommended in patients with poor performance status, established or sub-acute bowel obstruction, or after previous exposure to topotecan or another drug in the same class
- treatment response should be monitored by appropriate tumour markers (e.g. CA-125) and/or appropriate radiological techniques. Treatment should be stopped if there is radiological or serological evidence of disease progression; also deteriorating performance status should also prompt consideration of treatment withdrawal
Reference:
- NICE (October 2001, Issue 3). Summary of Guidance Issued to the NHS in England and Wales, Topotecan for advanced ovarian cancer.