Chemotherapy dosing strategies in the obese, elderly, and thin patient: Results of a nationwide survey

Abstract

Purpose: Determining the optimal starting dose of chemotherapy, (CHT) presents a considerable challenge when using body-surface area (BSA)-based dosing, particularly in obese, elderly, or thin patients. We sought to document the range of approaches employed when administering CHT to these patients. Methods: A questionnaire was developed by a panel of oncologists and mailed to all members of the Medical Oncology Group of Australia. Results: From 315 oncologists, 188 responded (response rate. 59.7%). BSA-based dosing is standard practice for 176 (97.2%) of the responding oncologists. In the adjuvant disease setting, 23 (12.7%) use ideal rather than actual body weight (BW) to calculate BSA, or ..