Oncologist-approved cancer information from the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Printer Friendly
Download PDF

Recommendations for Giving Chemotherapy to Obese Patients

ASCO recommends that patients with cancer who are obese should receive chemotherapy doses based on their actual weight when the goal of treatment is to cure the cancer. However, because of possible side effects from specific drugs, ASCO recommends considering fixed (not based on weight) doses of a few drugs, such as carboplatin (Paraplat, Paraplatin) and bleomycin (Blenoxane). Also, no more than 2 milligrams (mg) of vinicristine (Oncovin) is recommended when used in the chemotherapy regimen called CHOP (cyclophosphamide [Clafen, Cytoxan, Neosar], doxorubicin [Adriamycin], vincristine, prednisone [multiple brand names]) or the regimen called CVP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone).

© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.