Dexamethasone as a Means Not Only for Controlling Vascular Pain Caused by the Administration of Oxaliplatin Via the Peripheral Vein But Also for Controlling Oxaliplatin-Induced Hypersensitivity Reactions

Background and Aims: With the recent development of capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) therapy, implantation of a Central Venous (CV) port can be now avoided. However, vascular pain occasionally requires switching of the drip infusion route. Some investigators reported that addition of steroids to oxaliplatin drip infusion is useful in controlling vascular pain. However, the pharmacological use of steroids can make oxaliplatin unstable due to the elevation of pH; further, the effectiveness of steroid in this therapy is unknown. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of dexamethasone (DEX) for controlling vascular pain caused by the administration of oxaliplatin via the peripheral vein. Study design: Retrospective study.