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regimen-monograph
FULCVR
A - Regimen Name
FULCVR Regimen
Fluorouracil-Leucovorin
Disease Site
Gastrointestinal - Gastric / Stomach
(Advanced)
(Advanced)
Intent
Palliative
(May be used with concurrent radiation therapy)
(May be used with concurrent radiation therapy)
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 It is listed for historical reference only and is no longer updated.
Rationale and Uses
Alternate regimen to ELF or ECF for patients receiving concurrent radiation therapy or patients who cannot tolerate platinum- or anthracycline-based regimens
B - Drug Regimen
| fluorouracil
(Round to nearest 25mg) |
400-425 mg /m² | IV | Days 1 to 5 OR Days 1 to 3 |
| leucovorin
(Round to nearest 1mg) |
20 mg /m² | IV | Days 1 to 5 OR Days 1 to 3 (give prior to 5FU) |
C - Cycle Frequency
REPEAT EVERY 28 DAYS
For a usual total of 6 cycles or until evidence of disease progression or limited toxicity
OR
DURING FIRST & LAST WEEK OF RADIOTHERAPY
(Usually Week 1 & Week 5)
D - Premedication and Supportive Measures
Antiemetic Regimen:
Low
Other Supportive Care:
May advise patients to suck on ice chips during bolus injection, to reduce stomatitis.
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.
Gastrointestinal Toxicities
If Mucositis or Diarrhea ≥ Grade 3 in previous course, REDUCE to 2/3 dose
Hepatic Impairment
If Bilirubin > 4 x ULN, OMIT dose (Suggested action)
Renal Impairment
F - Adverse Effects
Refer to fluorouracil, leucovorin drug monograph(s) for additional details of adverse effects
Bolus 5FU regimens have more myelosuppression and GI effects but less Hand-Foot Syndrome, compared to prolonged infusions.
Most Common Side Effects |
Less Common Side Effects, but may be Severe or Life-Threatening |
|
|
G - Interactions
Refer to fluorouracil, leucovorin drug monograph(s) for additional details
Flourouracil is a known radiosensitizer.Patients should be carefully monitored for gastrointestinal toxicity when they are receiving concurrent 5FU-Radiation therapy.
H - Drug Administration and Special Precautions
Refer to fluorouracil, leucovorin drug monograph(s) for additional details
If statutory holidays occur during therapy, that day should be omitted or therapy completed on Monday of the following week.
I - Recommended Clinical Monitoring
Recommended Clinical Monitoring
- Clinical toxicity assessment (including stomatitis, diarrhea).
- CBC before each cycle. Interim counts should be done in first cycle and repeated if dose modifications necessary.
- Baseline liver & renal function tests (if severe organ failure suspected).
- Grade toxicity using the current NCI-CTCAE (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) version
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K - References
Millard JA, Moertel CG, Gunderson LL et al. Early evaluation of 5-FU plus leucovorin as a radiation enhancer for gastrointestinal cancer. Proc. Am Soc. Clin. Oncol. 1991;10:151 (Abstract)
July 2012: Modified regimen category
PEBC Advice Documents or Guidelines
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.
CCO and the Formulary’s content providers shall have no liability, whether direct, indirect, consequential, contingent, special, or incidental, related to or arising from the information in the Formulary or its use thereof, whether based on breach of contract or tort (including negligence), and even if advised of the possibility thereof. Anyone using the information in the Formulary does so at his or her own risk, and by using such information, agrees to indemnify CCO and its content providers from any and all liability, loss, damages, costs and expenses (including legal fees and expenses) arising from such person’s use of the information in the Formulary.
Last Updated: July 27, 2026
