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regimen-monograph
ABVNCR
A - Regimen Name
ABVNCR Regimen
ADRIAMYCIN® (DOXOrubicin)-Bleomycin-VinCRIStine
Disease Site
Kaposi's Sarcoma
Intent
Palliative
Regimen Category
Local : A regimen not widely used by Regional Cancer Centres in this disease site.
Rationale and Uses
Alternative therapy for the treatment of Kaposi’s Sarcoma
B - Drug Regimen
| DOXOrubicin
(Round to nearest 1 mg) |
10-20 mg /m² | IV | Day 1 and Day 15 |
| bleomycin
(Round to nearest 1 mg) |
10 mg /m² | IV | Day 1 and Day 15 |
| vinCRIStine
(Round to nearest 0.1 mg) |
1 or 2 mg | IV (fixed dose) | Day 1 and Day 15 |
|
|
|||
C - Cycle Frequency
REPEAT EVERY 28 DAYS
Until evidence of disease progression or limited by cardiotoxicity or other toxicity
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 centre.
Dosage with toxicity
Hematologic Toxicities: Refer to Appendix 6 for general recommendations.
Neurotoxicity:
| Symptom | % Usual Dose |
| Areflexia only | 100% |
| Abnormal buttoning, writing | 67% |
Moderate motor neuropathy (± cranial) |
Hold until recovery then reduce dose by 50% |
| Severe motor neuropathy | OMIT |
Hepatic Impairment
| Bilirubin | Action |
| If bilirubin 1-2 x ULN | REDUCE DOXOrubicin to 50% dose and REDUCE Vincristine to 50% dose |
| If Bilirubin 2-4 x ULN | REDUCE DOXOrubicin to 25% dose and REDUCE Vincristine to 25% dose |
| If Bilirubin > 4 x ULN | OMIT Doxorubicin dose (Suggested action) |
Renal Impairment
Creatinine clearance (mL/min) |
% Bleomycin usual dose |
10 – 50 |
75% |
< 10 |
50% |
F - Adverse Effects
Refer to DOXOrubicin, bleomycin, vinCRIStine drug monograph(s) for additional details of adverse effects
G - Interactions
Refer to DOXOrubicin, bleomycin, vinCRIStine drug monograph(s) for additional details
H - Drug Administration and Special Precautions
Refer to DOXOrubicin, bleomycin, vinCRIStine drug monograph(s) for additional details
I - Recommended Clinical Monitoring
Recommended Clinical Monitoring
- Clinical toxicity (including local toxicity, neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, pulmonary) assessment.
- CBC before each cycle. Interim counts should be done in first cycle and repeated if dose modifications necessary.
- Baseline and regular liver and renal function tests.
- Routine pulmonary tests if patient has pre-existing pulmonary dysfunction, or has had prior pulmonary radiation, if age >70, or if total cumulative Bleomycin dose >500 U.
- 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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K - References
Gill PS, Rarick M, McCutchan JA et al. Systemic treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma: Results of a randomized trial. Am J Med 1991 Apr; 90(4): 427-33.
Laubenstein LJ, Krigel RL, Odajnyk CM et al. Treatment of epidemic Kaposi’s sarcoma with etoposide or a combination of doxorubicin, bleomycin and vinblastine. J Clin Oncol 1984; 2(10): 1115-20.
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 21, 2026
