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Copyright ©The Author(s) 2017.
World J Clin Oncol. Dec 10, 2017; 8(6): 437-446
Published online Dec 10, 2017. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v8.i6.437
Table 1 Comparing maximum tolerated dose chemotherapy vs metronomic chemotherapy
Maximum tolerated dose chemotherapy (conventional)Metronomic chemotherapy
DoseHigh dosesLow doses or biologic optimal doses
AdministrationAdministered at defined intervals (3 weekly, weekly) determined by the recovery of bone marrowDosing frequency is continuous (weekly, every other day, daily)
Plasma concentrationRise and fall of the plasma concentration of the drugSustained plasma concentration of the drug
TargetProliferating tumor cellsEndothelial cells in the growing vasculature of the tumor
ToxicityAcute and cumulative toxicity is a concernAcute toxicity is rare. Cumulative toxicity is unknown, except for etoposide (related to leukemia)