Faster FOLFOX: Oxaliplatin Can Be Safely Infused at a Rate of 1 mg/m2/min

Purpose: Oxaliplatin at a dose of 85 mg/m 2 traditionally has been administered over 120 min in the standard FOLFOX (infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) regimen. CapeOx (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin), in which the dose of oxaliplatin is 130 mg/m 2 , has also been infused over 120 min. Maintenance of a prolonged infusion time has been largely based on the concern for a potential hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) if administered too quickly.Methods: We first performed a retrospective review of our institutional experience to assess whether HSR rates were similar in FOLFOX and CapeOx by using computerized pharmacy records between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2013. We then instituted a new policy to infuse all nonresearch doses of oxaliplatin at a set rate of 1 mg/m 2 /min (85 mg/m 2 given over 85 min; 68 mg/m 2 over 68 min, etc). The incidence of HSRs with the new infusion rate was actively monitored.Results: Of 2,097 patients who previously received oxaliplatin over 120 min, 1,936 received a dose of 85 mg/m 2 (± 10%), and 161 received a dose of 130 mg/m 2 . The incidence of HSRs in the 85 mg/m 2 group was 11% versus 7% in the 130 mg/m 2 group (P = .13). Then between December 1, 2014, and June 4, 2015, 667 patients received oxaliplatin at a rate of 1 mg/m 2 /min for all doses. The incidence of HSRs in patients treated at this fixed infusion rate was 8%.Conclusion: Infusing oxaliplatin at a rate of 1 mg/m 2 /min does not increase the rate of HSRs and does not compromise patient safety. This infusion rate is safe for use in routine practice.