How It Works
Oxaliplatin interrupts cancer cell growth and slows the spread of
cancer cells in the body. Oxaliplatin is available for use by
injection.
Why It Is Used
Oxaliplatin is used in combination with other medicines to treat cancer, such as . Oxaliplatin is also used to treat
cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized), such as advanced ovarian cancer.
How Well It Works
Studies show that oxaliplatin may be effective in stopping some
cancer cell activity that is resistant to some other anticancer drugs, such as
cisplatin and carboplatin. Oxaliplatin seems to help people with metastatic colorectal cancer live longer when given with other medicines such as FOLFOX4 or with 5-FU and leucovorin.
Side Effects
Oxaliplatin can cause serious side effects, including:
- An allergic reaction.
- Numbness,
burning, and tingling. This is called sensory neuropathy.
- Loss of feeling.
- Mild,
moderate, or severe pain.
- Decreased bone marrow
function.
- Sores in the mouth or throat.
- Severe vomiting
or diarrhea.
Sensory neuropathy is a problem for some people who have chemotherapy with oxaliplatin. Nerves that are damaged by anticancer medicines may cause pain, tingling, numbness, or other uncomfortable sensations. It usually begins in the feet and hands and may get worse with time, spreading to other parts of the body. If it gets too bad, people are taken off oxaliplatin. Sometimes the neuropathy goes away after stopping the medicine. But for other people, the nerve damage may be permanent.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference
is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Research studies continue to look at the use of oxaliplatin with other medicines to see which combinations help people live longer. Evidence from studies shows that different combinations work better depending on the stage of cancer.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
National Cancer Institute (2009). Colon Cancer Treatment (PDQ): Health Professional Version. Available online: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/colon/healthprofessional/allpages.