Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Effect of the combined use of docetaxel, cisplatin and apatinib mesylate on serum tumor markers and prognosis in advanced ovarian cancer patients

Miao Shen, Jianxia Cheng, Jianping Kong

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiande First People's Hospital, Jiande 311600, China;

For correspondence:- Jianping Kong Email: shen11miao@163.com

Accepted: 26 February 2024 Published: 31 March 2024

Citation: Shen M, Cheng J, Kong J. Effect of the combined use of docetaxel, cisplatin and apatinib mesylate on serum tumor markers and prognosis in advanced ovarian cancer patients. Trop J Pharm Res 2024; 23(3):603-610 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v23i3.15

© 2024 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To examine the impact of combining docetaxel and cisplatin injections with apatinib mesylate tablets on serum tumor markers and prognosis of advanced ovarian cancer patients.

Methods: A total of 121 advanced ovarian cancer patients admitted to Jiande First People's Hospital, Jiande, China between June 2014 and December 2022 were enrolled in this study. Of these, 59 patients treated solely with docetaxel and cisplatin injections comprised control group while 62 patients who received apatinib mesylate tablets in conjunction with docetaxel and cisplatin injections formed the study group. Serum tumor marker levels, serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels in peripheral venous blood were evaluated. Furthermore, improvements in ascites, efficacy, incidence of adverse reactions, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores and quality of life (QoL) scores were recorded. The Kaplan-Meier method was implemented for survival analysis.

Results: After chemotherapy, serum tumor markers (CEA, CA199, CA125, CA153), VEGF and MMP-2 significantly decreased from pre-chemotherapy levels. The study group showed greater reduction than control group (p < 0.05), and also exhibited superior abdominal effusion treatment efficacy and overall effectiveness (p < 0.05). Adverse reactions were rarer in the study group (p < 0.05). The study group's KPS and QoL scores after chemotherapy exceeded those of the control group, with regard to baseline improvement (p < 0.05). Additionally, the study group had a higher 3-year survival rate (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Although docetaxel and cisplatin injections exhibit significant efficacy in managing advanced ovarian cancer, the adjunctive use of apatinib mesylate tablets augments the efficacy and offers superior safety as well, rendering the combination a potential strategy for improved management of advanced ovarian cancer.

Keywords: Docetaxel, Cisplatin, Combination therapy, Apatinib mesylate, Ovarian cancer