High-dose methotrexate

Abstract

High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is defined as methotrexate dose of ≥500 mg/m2. It is used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, osteosarcoma, and primary central nervous system lymphoma. Administration mandates adequate hydration; urine alkalinization; leucovorin rescue, monitoring of urine output, serum creatinine, and methotrexate levels. Delayed methotrexate clearance is managed by increasing hydration and leucovorin dose. Glucarpidase is the antidote for patients with renal toxicity. Studies from India have shown that HDMTX can be administered without monitoring of methotrexate levels with strict monitoring of urine pH, urine output, and serum creatinine and extended hydration and leucovorin doses.

Keywords

• high-dose methotrexate
• methotrexate levels
• toxicity