Safety outcomes of rapid- versus standard-infusion rate oxaliplatin

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines state that the oxaliplatin dose of 85 mg/m² used in various gastrointestinal cancer regimens may be infused over a rapid rate of 85 min instead of the standard time of 120 min. We evaluated the safety outcomes of rapid administration of oxaliplatin compared to standard infusion.

We performed a retrospective, cohort study by chart review. Adult patients who received oxaliplatin as part of a FOLFOX, FOLFOXIRI, or FOLRINOX chemotherapy regimen from January 1, 2018, through June 30, 2021, were included. Primary outcomes were the incidence of hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) and treatment modification of oxaliplatin due to adverse drug events. Secondary outcomes included peripheral neuropathy (PN), myelosuppressive signs, and oxaliplatin-related emergency department visit and/or hospital admission.

A total of 178 patients were included (90 and 88 in the rapid-rate and standard-rate groups, respectively). Rapid-rate oxaliplatin was not associated with increased HSR or difference in toxicity requiring dose reduction, delayed dose, or slowed infusion rate, but was associated with increased rate of permanent discontinuation of oxaliplatin, 7.8% and 1.1% in the rapid-rate group and standard-rate groups, respectively (p = 0.032). Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 72.2% and 42% of patients in the rapid-rate group and standard-rate groups, respectively (relative risk for PN, 2.09; 95%, CI: 1.43-3.04; p < .001). There were no differences in any other adverse drug event measured.

Rapid-rate oxaliplatin was associated with minimal treatment modifications; however, there was an increase in PN incidence. A faster rate of oxaliplatin administration may not be worth the increased risk of PN.