How it is administered

Oxaliplatin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning it is delivered directly into a vein through a drip. It is available in vials containing 50 mg or 100 mg of oxaliplatin as a sterile, preservative-free solution at a concentration of 5 mg/mL. The typical dosing schedule is every two weeks, often as part of a combination chemotherapy regimen. The infusion usually takes about 2 hours, but the duration may be extended to help reduce certain side effects.

How it works

Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug. Once in the body, it undergoes a transformation to form active compounds that bind to DNA in cancer cells. This binding creates crosslinks within and between DNA strands, which blocks the cancer cell's ability to replicate and repair its DNA. As a result, the cancer cells are unable to divide and eventually die.

Oxaliplatin's action is not limited to a specific phase of the cell cycle, making it effective against rapidly dividing cancer cells. In laboratory studies, oxaliplatin has shown activity against various tumor types, including leukemia cell lines. When used in combination with other chemotherapy agents, such as fluorouracil and leucovorin, oxaliplatin's ability to stop cancer cell growth is enhanced. This combination is particularly effective in treating certain gastrointestinal cancers, and it is being explored in other cancers, including some blood cancers.

Who Should take it

Oxaliplatin is primarily approved for use in combination with other chemotherapy drugs (fluorouracil and leucovorin) for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer and as adjuvant therapy for stage III colon cancer after surgical removal of the tumor.

While its main use is in solid tumors, laboratory studies have shown that oxaliplatin can have activity against leukemia cells. However, its use in blood cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma is not standard and would typically be considered only in specific clinical trial settings or if other treatments are not effective. Always discuss with your oncologist if oxaliplatin is appropriate for your specific type of blood cancer.

Who should not take it

You should not take oxaliplatin if you have had a previous severe allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to oxaliplatin or other platinum-based drugs (such as cisplatin or carboplatin). Reactions can include anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic response.

Caution is also needed if you have severe kidney problems, as the drug is eliminated through the kidneys, and dose adjustments may be required. Patients with congenital long QT syndrome (a heart rhythm disorder) should avoid oxaliplatin due to the risk of heart rhythm problems. Pregnant women should not use oxaliplatin, as it can harm the developing fetus. Always inform your healthcare provider about your full medical history before starting treatment.

Commonly used with

Oxaliplatin is most commonly used in combination with fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin, a regimen known as FOLFOX. This combination is standard for colorectal cancer and is sometimes explored in clinical trials for other cancers, including blood cancers.

It may also be used with irinotecan in certain regimens. Your doctor will determine the best combination based on your specific diagnosis and treatment goals.

Commonly tested with

In clinical trials and research settings, oxaliplatin is often tested in combination with other chemotherapy agents such as fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan. It may also be studied with targeted therapies or immunotherapies for various cancers, including blood cancers, to see if these combinations improve outcomes or reduce side effects.