How it is administered

Oxaliplatin is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning it is delivered directly into a vein. It is typically supplied in vials as a clear, colorless solution and must be diluted before administration. The standard dose is 85 mg/m², infused over 2 hours, usually every 2 weeks. It is always given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs, such as fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin, and is not given as a pill or by mouth.

How it works

Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy medication. Once inside the body, it undergoes chemical changes to form active compounds that bind to the DNA in cancer cells. These compounds create crosslinks within and between DNA strands, which disrupts the cell’s ability to replicate and repair its genetic material. This damage prevents cancer cells from dividing and growing, ultimately leading to cell death.

Unlike some other chemotherapy drugs, oxaliplatin is not specific to any one phase of the cell cycle, meaning it can affect cancer cells at various stages of growth. It is particularly effective when used in combination with other chemotherapy agents, enhancing their ability to stop cancer cell proliferation. While it is mainly used for colorectal cancer, its mechanism is similar in other types of blood and solid tumors.

Who Should take it

Oxaliplatin is approved for use in combination with infusional 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 it is not specifically approved for mantle cell lymphoma, it has shown activity in leukemia models and is sometimes considered in blood cancers as part of clinical trials or off-label regimens.

Patients who have been diagnosed with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer, or who are at high risk of recurrence after colon cancer surgery, are the main candidates for oxaliplatin. The decision to use oxaliplatin in blood cancers like mantle cell lymphoma is made by a specialist, often when other treatments have not been effective or as part of a research protocol.

Who should not take it

Oxaliplatin should not be taken by anyone who has had a previous severe allergic reaction (hypersensitivity) to oxaliplatin or other platinum-based drugs (such as cisplatin or carboplatin). Signs of a severe reaction include anaphylaxis, rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure.

It should also be avoided in patients with severe kidney problems unless the dose is adjusted, and in those with certain heart rhythm disorders (like congenital long QT syndrome). Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take oxaliplatin, as it can cause harm to the developing fetus or infant. Patients with severe nerve problems (neuropathy) or very low blood cell counts may also need to avoid or delay treatment.

Commonly used with

Oxaliplatin is almost always used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. The most common regimen is with fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin, known as FOLFOX. It may also be combined with irinotecan (in the IROX regimen) or other agents depending on the cancer type and treatment plan.

In blood cancers, it may be paired with other cytotoxic drugs as part of a clinical trial or specialized protocol.

Commonly tested with

In clinical studies, oxaliplatin has been tested with fluorouracil and leucovorin (FOLFOX regimen), and with irinotecan (IROX regimen). It has also been studied in combination with other chemotherapy agents in various solid tumors and blood cancers, including leukemia models.

For mantle cell lymphoma and other blood cancers, it may be included in experimental combinations to evaluate its effectiveness and safety.