Overview of FOLFOX Adjuvant Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (drug therapy) is often used to destroy cancer cells. When chemotherapy follows another treatment, such as surgery, it is known as adjuvant chemotherapy. Folfox is commonly used as an adjuvant treatment for bowel cancers.
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Ingredients
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Folfox is a combination of three drugs: leucovorin calcium, or folinic acid (FOL), fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOX). According to Drugs.com, both fluorouracil and oxaliplatin work by slowing the growth and spread of cancer cells. Folinic acid supports the other two drugs, working to remedy folic acid deficiency. Drugs.com emphasizes that these drugs treat only cancer symptoms, not the cancer itself.
Treatment Cycle
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According to the website eChemo Therapy, on the first treatment day, folinic acid and oxaliplatin are administered through an intravenous drip over the course of two hours. Fluorouracil is then administered through IV drip over 22 hours. On the second day, a two-hour folinic acid drip is administered, followed by a two-hour fluorouracil drip. From days three to 14, the patient doesn't receive any treatment. The cycle then begins again and might repeat for as many as 12 cycles, depending on the stage of the cancer and the patient's health.
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Side Effects
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EChemo Therapy reports that Folfox's most common side effect is fatigue. Other side effects include nausea and increased risk for infection.
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