Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 9/6/2025

CapeOX Protocol for BSA 1.8 m²

Detailed Dosing

  • The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends a dose of 130 mg/m² of oxaliplatin for a patient with BSA 1.8 m², with a total dose of 234 mg, administered as an IV infusion over 2 hours on day 1, repeated every 3 weeks 1, 2
  • The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends a dose of 1000 mg/m² of capecitabine twice daily for 14 days, with a total dose of 1800 mg twice daily for a patient with BSA 1.8 m², administered orally, repeated every 3 weeks 1, 2, 3, 4

Important Considerations

  • North American patients may experience greater toxicity with capecitabine than European patients, with a recommended starting dose of 1000 mg/m² twice daily 3, 4, 1
  • Close monitoring during the first cycle is essential, with dose adjustments as needed based on toxicity 4

Duration of Therapy

  • The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends discontinuation of oxaliplatin after 3-4 months of therapy, or sooner if significant neurotoxicity ≥ grade 2 develops, with other drugs maintained until disease progression 3, 5
  • Oxaliplatin may be reintroduced if it was discontinued previously for neurotoxicity rather than disease progression 3

Potential Modifications

  • For significant neurotoxicity (≥ grade 2), consider oxaliplatin dose reduction or discontinuation 3
  • If adding bevacizumab, administer 7.5 mg/kg IV on day 1 of each cycle, with an increased risk of stroke and other arterial events, especially in patients ≥65 years 1, 2, 3, 6

Monitoring Recommendations

  • The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends CT scan with contrast or MRI to monitor progress of therapy, with regular assessment of neurotoxicity 6, 5, 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Do not use PET/CT to monitor progress of therapy; CT with contrast or MRI is recommended 6, 5
  • Do not continue oxaliplatin beyond 3-4 months if significant neurotoxicity develops 3, 5
  • Avoid combination therapy involving cytotoxics, anti-EGFRs, and anti-VEGFs 6, 5

REFERENCES

1

colon cancer. [LINK]

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN, 2011

2

colon cancer. [LINK]

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN, 2011

3

colon cancer, version 3.2014. [LINK]

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN, 2014

4

colon cancer. [LINK]

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN, 2011

5

colon cancer, version 1.2017, nccn clinical practice guidelines in oncology. [LINK]

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN, 2017

6

colon cancer, version 3.2014. [LINK]

Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN, 2014