Skip to main content
An official website of the United States government

Studying the PAGODA Algorithm for Chemotherapy Dose Changes to Prevent Unplanned Treatment Delays

Trial Status: active

This clinical trial is being done to learn whether using the proactive, graduated dose modification algorithm for leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) (PAGODA) algorithm to guide chemotherapy dosing for the FOLFOX regimen works to reduce unplanned treatment delays for patients with digestive system cancers compared to usual care. During standard of care treatment, chemotherapy dose changes or treatment delays are typically determined by the treating physician based on factors such as a patient’s height, weight, and blood test results obtained before each treatment cycle. If certain blood counts are too low, the next cycle of chemotherapy may be delayed or adjusted. The PAGODA algorithm is a step-by-step decision-making tool designed to help health care providers determine whether chemotherapy doses should be adjusted or delayed in patients with low neutrophil or platelet counts. Researchers will compare treatment delays, dose changes, and safety outcomes between patients managed using the PAGODA algorithm and patients receiving usual care.