Chemotherapy for trophoblastic neoplasms in the Philippines

This paper presents a protocol currently used in the diagnosis and management of trophoblastic disease, amongst participating hospitals within the Greater Manila Area, Philippines. Using the protocol as a general guide, the results of the study of several authors were presented. The commonly used chemotherapeutic agent are methotrexate and actinomycin D depending upon local availability and price affordability. Prophylactic chemotherapy is resorted to, in view of the inconsistent monitoring of the HCG and patients either in danger of being lost to follow-up or actually fail to report for follow up. The results of the studies generally point to the facts that: trophoblastic neoplasms is indeed a problem amongst Filipino women; the success of chemotherapy is dependent upon early diagnosis, availability of a more sensitive HCG monitoring system; a wide selection of available and affordable chemotherapeutic agents and above all faithful patient compliance.