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regimen-monograph

A - Regimen Name

DCRBDOXO Regimen
Dacarbazine-DOXOrubicin


Disease Site
Sarcoma - Soft Tissue

Intent
Palliative

Regimen Category
Archived : No longer in use and listed for reference purposes only, although the use of such a regimen may be appropriate in a situation where a Standard Regimen cannot be used for clinical reasons. Note: The Disease Site Group considers this regimen archived. It is listed for historical reference only and is no longer updated.
 
B - Drug Regimen

DOXOrubicin

(Round to nearest 1.0 mg)
60 mg /m² IV Day 1
dacarbazine

(Round to nearest 5 mg)
850 mg /m² IV Day 1
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C - Cycle Frequency

REPEAT EVERY 21 DAYS

For a usual total of 6 cycles

 
D - Premedication and Supportive Measures

Antiemetic Regimen:

Moderate

 
E - Dose Modifications

Doses should be modified according to the protocol by which the patient is being treated. The following recommendations are in use at some centres.

Dosage with toxicity

Hematologic Toxicities:  See Appendix 6 for general recommendations.



Hepatic Impairment

Bilirubin
Doxorubicin Dose
If Bilirubin 1-2 x ULN
REDUCE Doxorubicin* to 50% dose
If Bilirubin 2-4 x ULN
REDUCE Doxorubicin to 25%dose
If Bilirubin > 4 x ULN
OMIT Doxorubicin dose
*Doxorubicin is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment, especially with elevated bilirubin. Consideration should be given to dose modification for patients with severe increases in transaminases; limited data exists on the use of doxorubicin in this setting as these patients are routinely excluded from clinical trials.
 

Renal Impairment

Creatinine Clearance (mL/min)

Dacarbazine Dose*

>50

100% of dose

30-50

75% of dose

10-30

50% or discontinue

<10

discontinue

* modified from Kintzel et al 1995

 


 
F - Adverse Effects
Refer to DOXOrubicin, dacarbazine drug monograph(s) for additional details of adverse effects
 
G - Interactions
Refer to DOXOrubicin, dacarbazine drug monograph(s) for additional details
 
H - Drug Administration and Special Precautions
Refer to DOXOrubicin, dacarbazine drug monograph(s) for additional details
 
I - Recommended Clinical Monitoring

Recommended Clinical Monitoring

  • Clinical toxicity (including stomatitis, local toxicity, cardiotoxicity, skin) assessment.
  • CBC before each cycle.
  • Baseline and regular liver & renal function tests.
  • Cardiac examination especially with risk factors (including prior therapy with Epirubicin, Mitoxantrone, or other cardiotoxic drug), or a cumulative Doxorubicin dose of > 450 mg/m2
  • Grade toxicity using the current NCI-CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version

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J - Administrative Information

Approximate Patient Visit
1.5 to 2.5 hours
 
K - References

Gottlieb JA, Baker LH, O’Bryan RM, et al, Adriamycin used alone and in combination for soft tissue and bony sarcomas. Cancer Chemother Rep, 1975; 6: 271-282.

CCO Practice Guideline: Doxorubicin-based chemotherapy for the palliative treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcoma


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L - Other Notes

Sarcomas are rare tumours and as such benefit from referral to specialized centres where there will be access to multidisciplinary expertise including good radiology, orthopedic and thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and other supportive care disciplines.

 

September 2011:  regimen archived

 
M - Disclaimer

Regimen Abstracts
A Regimen Abstract is an abbreviated version of a Regimen Monograph and contains only top level information on usage, dosing, schedule, cycle length and special notes (if available). It is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice, and all uses of the Regimen Abstract are subject to clinical judgment. Such information is provided on an “as-is” basis, without any representation, warranty, or condition, whether express, or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to the information’s quality, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability, and Cancer Care Ontario disclaims all liability for the use of this information, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits that arise from such use.
Information in regimen abstracts is accurate to the extent of the ST-QBP regimen master listings, and has not undergone the full review process of a regimen monograph.  Full regimen monographs will be published for each ST-QBP regimen as they are developed.
Regimen Monographs
Refer to the New Drug Funding Program or Ontario Public Drug Programs websites for the most up-to-date public funding information.
The information set out in the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information (for health professionals) contained in the Drug Formulary (the "Formulary") is intended for healthcare providers and is to be used for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects of a particular drug, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for a given condition. The information in the Formulary is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for medical advice and should not be relied upon in any such regard. All uses of the Formulary are subject to clinical judgment and actual prescribing patterns may not follow the information provided in the Formulary.
The format and content of the drug monographs, regimen monographs, appendices and symptom management information contained in the Formulary will change as they are reviewed and revised on a periodic basis. The date of last revision will be visible on each page of the monograph and regimen. Since standards of usage are constantly evolving, it is advised that the Formulary not be used as the sole source of information. It is strongly recommended that original references or product monograph be consulted prior to using a chemotherapy regimen for the first time.
Some Formulary documents, such as the medication information sheets, regimen information sheets and symptom management information (for patients), are intended for patients. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider if they have questions regarding any information set out in the Formulary documents.
While care has been taken in the preparation of the information contained in the Formulary, such information is provided on an “as-is” basis, without any representation, warranty, or condition, whether express, or implied, statutory or otherwise, as to the information’s quality, accuracy, currency, completeness, or reliability.
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Last Updated: July 27, 2026