Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy Regimen Library
CRC Metastatic - irinotecan [Q3W] dose reduced
Treatment Overview
This dose reduced regimen is intended for those over 70 years of age or with ECOG Performance Status 2 or greater.
Cycle 1 (and all further cycles) - 21 days
Cycle details
Cycle 1 (and all further cycles) - 21 days
| Medication | Dose | Route | Days | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dexamethasone * | 8 mg | oral administration | 1, 2, 3 | |
| ondansetron | 8 mg | oral administration | 1 | |
| atropine sulfate * | 600 microgram | intravenous | 1 | 2 minutes |
| irinotecan | 300 mg/m² | intravenous | 1 | 90 minutes |
| ondansetron | 8 mg | oral administration | 1 | |
| domperidone | 10 mg Three times daily | oral administration | 1 | |
| loperamide | 2 mg | oral administration | 1 |
Full details
Cycle 1 (and all further cycles) - 21 days
Day: 1
| Medication | Dose | Route | Max duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dexamethasone * | 8 mg | oral administration |
Instructions:
ONE hour prior to chemotherapy with food. |
|
| ondansetron | 8 mg | oral administration |
Instructions:
ONE hour prior to chemotherapy. |
|
| atropine sulfate * | 600 microgram | intravenous | 2 minutes |
Instructions:
Only if required for acute diarrhoea or cholinergic symptoms.
|
| irinotecan | 300 mg/m² | intravenous | 90 minutes | |
| ondansetron | 8 mg | oral administration |
Instructions:
EIGHT hours after chemotherapy OR before bed. |
|
| domperidone | 10 mg Three times daily | oral administration |
Instructions:
When required for nausea and/or vomiting. The choice of rescue antiemetic may be substituted to reflect institutional policy or individual patient characteristics. |
|
| loperamide | 2 mg | oral administration |
Instructions:
Take TWO capsules (=4 mg) at onset of loose bowel motions and a further ONE capsule (=2 mg) for every loose bowel motion (maximum of EIGHT capsules in 24 hours), or use as directed by oncologist or haematologist. |
Day: 2
| Medication | Dose | Route | Max duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dexamethasone * | 8 mg | oral administration |
Instructions:
ONCE daily in the morning with food. Dose and duration may be individualised at clinician’s discretion. |
Day: 3
| Medication | Dose | Route | Max duration | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| dexamethasone * | 8 mg | oral administration |
Instructions:
ONCE daily in the morning with food. Dose and duration may be individualised at clinician’s discretion. |
Supportive Care Factors
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Diarrhoea risk: | Anti-diarrhoeals are not usually prescribed with this treatment |
| Emetogenicity: | Medium |
| Hypersensitivity / Infusion related reaction risk: | Low - routine premedication not recommended |
References
* The medicines, doses, combinations, and schedule in this treatment regimen have been carefully reviewed against international best practice guidelines by specialists in medical oncology around New Zealand and this advice has been accepted for publication by Te Aho o Te Kahu (the Cancer Control Agency). Sometimes medicines that are used in routine clinical practice have not been through a formal review process by the NZ Medicines Regulator Medsafe and are therefore considered unapproved or off-label. These medicines are legally able to be prescribed through sections 25 and 29 of the Medicines Act and by obtaining informed consent from patients. All treatment regimens listed on this website have been through robust peer review and are considered an accepted standard of care, whether prescribed through sections 25 or 29 or carrying formal Medsafe Approval.
s29: This symbol indicates that some formulations of the associated medicine are legally only able to be prescribed under section 29 of the Medicines Act. You can see which formulations are section 29 by hovering over the s29 symbol. You can access full medication details from the New Zealand Formulary by clicking on the medication name. Each clinician retains full responsibility for ensuring they have complied with all relevant obligations and requirements of section 29 including obtaining informed patient consent prior to prescribing the applicable medicine.