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folfirinox

Brand and Other Names: folririnox
Mechanism of Action:
Indications:
Route:
Dose:
Adverse Reactions:
Contraindication:
Warnings and Precautions:
Description:
Approved regimen for pancreatic cancer
 
GOOGLE OVERVIEW
 
FOLFIRINOX is a chemotherapy regimen used primarily for treating metastatic pancreatic cancer and, in some cases, other advanced cancers.It combines four drugs: folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil (5-FU), irinotecan, and oxaliplatin. This combination is known for its effectiveness but also for its potential for significant side effects according to Cancer Research UK. 
 
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
What it is:
  • FOLFIRINOX is a combination chemotherapy regimen, meaning it uses multiple drugs simultaneously to attack cancer cells. 
     
  • The specific drugs are:
    • Folinic acid (Leucovorin): Enhances the effectiveness of 5-FU. 
       
     
  • Fluorouracil (5-FU): Interferes with DNA synthesis, preventing cancer cell growth. 
     
  • Irinotecan: A topoisomerase inhibitor that prevents DNA from uncoiling and duplicating. 
     
  • Oxaliplatin: A platinum-based drug that inhibits DNA repair and/or synthesis.

 

What it's used for:

Metastatic pancreatic cancer:
FOLFIRINOX has shown a survival advantage over gemcitabine, the previous standard treatment, in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and good performance status. 
 
Locally advanced pancreatic cancer:
It can be used to try to shrink the tumor to make it resectable (removable by surgery) or to control its growth. 
 
Other advanced cancers:
While primarily used for pancreatic cancer, FOLFIRINOX or similar regimens (like FOLFOXIRI) may be used in other advanced cancers like colorectal cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 
 
Key points about FOLFIRINOX: 
 
Efficacy:
FOLFIRINOX has demonstrated improved survival rates compared to single-agent gemcitabine in metastatic pancreatic cancer. 
 
Toxicity:
It is a potent regimen with a higher risk of side effects, including myelosuppression (low blood counts), fatigue, diarrhea, and neurotoxicity. 
 
Modified FOLFIRINOX:
Some patients, particularly older or those with comorbidities, may be treated with a modified version of FOLFIRINOX to reduce toxicity while maintaining some efficacy. 
 
Adjuvant therapy:
FOLFIRINOX or modified FOLFIRINOX may be used after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to help prevent the cancer from returning. 
 
 

 

See package insert for full prescribing information.