Related pages Drug Information Summaries 1 Approval Process for New Cancer Treatments 2 Access to Investigational Drugs 3

This page contains brief information about leucovorin calcium and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, related news and research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s):		Wellcovorin
FDA Approved:		Yes

Leucovorin calcium is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used by itself for the following:

• To prevent and treat the toxic effects of high-dose methotrexate when used to treat osteosarcoma and other types of cancer.
• To treat overdoses of methotrexate or other folic acid antagonists.
• To treat a condition called megaloblastic anemia that occurs when the body does not get enough of a vitamin called folic acid. It is used in patients who cannot take the vitamin by mouth.

Leucovorin calcium is also approved to be used with fluorouracil (5-FU) in the palliative treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

The drug is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer.

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary ⁴ - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

Clinical Trial Results: Irinotecan Not Effective in Adjuvant Therapy for Colon Cancer (08/28/2007) ⁵ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: New Chemotherapy Regimen Extends Survival for Patients with Resectable Gastric Cancer (07/12/2006) ⁶ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Capecitabine an Alternative in Post-Surgery Treatment of Stage III Colon Cancer (07/27/2005) ⁷ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Adding Bevacizumab Improves Outcomes in Advanced Colorectal Cancer (05/14/2005) ⁸ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Oxaliplatin-Based Combination Treatment Confirmed Effective in Colorectal Cancer That Has Progressed (06/01/2003) ⁹ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Oxaliplatin-Based Regimen Prolongs Survival After Colorectal Cancer Surgery (06/01/2003) ¹⁰ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Radiation and Chemotherapy After Surgery Improves Survival in Stomach Cancer (09/07/2001) ¹¹ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Bevacizumab Combined With Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy Prolongs Survival for Previously Treated Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer (11/29/2004) ¹² - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Leucovorin Calcium ¹³ - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

• warnings about this drug,
• what this drug is used for and how it is used,
• what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
• what you should know about this drug before using it,
• other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
• possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This NLM patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Clinical Trials for Leucovorin Calcium ¹⁴ - Check for trials from NCI's PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry now accepting patients.

Glossary Terms

Cancer that has spread to other places in the body and usually cannot be cured or controlled with treatment.

A condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal.

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

Cancer that develops in the colon (the longest part of the large intestine) and/or the rectum (the last several inches of the large intestine before the anus).

A drug used to treat symptoms of cancer of the colon, breast, stomach, and pancreas. It is also used in a cream to treat certain skin conditions. Fluorouracil stops cells from making DNA and it may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimetabolite. Also called 5-fluorouracil and 5-FU.

A nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Folic acid helps to make red blood cells. It is found in whole-grain breads and cereals, liver, green vegetables, orange juice, lentils, beans, and yeast. Folic acid is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in every day. Not enough folic acid can cause anemia (a condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal), diseases of the heart and blood vessels, and defects in the brain and spinal cord in a fetus. Folic acid is being studied with vitamin B12 in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Also called folate.

An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The Food and Drug Administration also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called FDA.

A drug used to treat some types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe skin conditions, such as psoriasis. Methotrexate stops cells from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimetabolite. Also called amethopterin, MTX, and Rheumatrex.

A cancer of the bone that usually affects the large bones of the arm or leg. It occurs most commonly in young people and affects more males than females. Also called osteogenic sarcoma.

Treatment given to relieve the symptoms and reduce the suffering caused by cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Palliative cancer therapies are given together with other cancer treatments, from the time of diagnosis, through treatment, survivorship, recurrent or advanced disease, and at the end of life.

Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects.

A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Sources of vitamins are plant and animal food products and dietary supplements. Some vitamins are made in the human body from food products. Vitamins are either fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) or water-soluble (can dissolve in water). Excess fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissue, but excess water-soluble vitamins are removed in the urine. Examples are vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.