Oxaliplatine Arrow Lab (Oxaliplatin)

• Oxaliplatin is used in the management of solid tumours, particularly colorectal and gastric cancers, as part of combination chemotherapy.
• Colorectal cancer: improves response rates and overall survival when combined with fluoropyrimidines.
• Gastric cancer: contributes to tumour shrinkage and disease control in advanced stages.
• Adjuvant therapy for colon cancer: reduces risk of recurrence after surgical resection.

• Oxaliplatin enters tumour cells and undergoes aquation, forming reactive platinum complexes that covalently bind to DNA. The resulting intra‑ and interstrand cross‑links impede DNA replication and transcription, triggering cell‑cycle arrest and apoptosis of rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Oxaliplatin may cause a range of adverse reactions during and after infusion.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea and vomiting: mild to moderate, often managed with anti‑emetics.
• Peripheral neuropathy: tingling or numbness, usually dose‑related.
• Fatigue: generalized tiredness during treatment cycles.
• Diarrhoea: loose stools that may require supportive care.
• Neutropenia: reduced white blood cell count, increasing infection risk.
• Thrombocytopenia: lowered platelet count, leading to easy bruising.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reactions: anaphylaxis requiring immediate intervention.
• Pulmonary toxicity: rare lung inflammation presenting with cough or dyspnoea.
• Acute tumour lysis syndrome: metabolic disturbances in high tumour burden.
• Severe neuropathy: persistent loss of sensation beyond treatment period.
• Hemolytic anemia: destruction of red blood cells in rare cases.

Prior to initiating Oxaliplatin therapy, clinicians should evaluate patient‑specific risk factors and monitor for toxicity.

• Renal function: assess creatinine clearance and adjust infusion rate if impaired.
• Hepatic function: monitor liver enzymes, especially in patients with pre‑existing liver disease.
• Peripheral neuropathy: evaluate baseline nerve function and counsel on symptom reporting.
• Hematologic toxicity: perform regular complete blood counts to detect neutropenia or thrombocytopenia.
• Allergic reactions: have emergency medications ready for infusion‑related hypersensitivity.
• Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake the vial.

Oxaliplatin can interact with other agents, altering efficacy or safety.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Concurrent platinum agents: additive neurotoxicity and myelosuppression.
• High‑dose radiation therapy: increased risk of severe neuropathy.
• Live vaccines: potential for uncontrolled infection due to immunosuppression.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Nephrotoxic drugs (e.g., aminoglycosides): monitor renal function closely.
• Myelosuppressive chemotherapy: watch blood counts for additive marrow suppression.
• Anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents: increased bleeding tendency; adjust monitoring.
• CYP450 inducers or inhibitors: may affect clearance of co‑administered drugs.