elemene + oxaliplatin

Elemene + oxaliplatin is a combination regimen used in cancer therapy, primarily studied in China. Elemene is a plant-derived sesquiterpene mixture (often β-elemene), thought to have antitumor, immunomodulatory, and chemoprotective effects. Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum-based chemotherapy agent that inhibits DNA synthesis and replication, leading to apoptosis in tumor cells. Clinical evidence suggests this combination improves response rates, quality of life, immune function, and survival in patients with various cancers, particularly gastrointestinal and liver cancers, compared to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy alone. The combination may reduce chemotherapy-induced side effects (especially leukopenia and gastrointestinal toxicity) but can increase the risk of phlebitis.