Protocol
Also known as: regimen, treatment plan
A standardised plan that specifies the drugs, doses and schedule for a course of cancer treatment.
Definition
A protocol is a written, standardised plan that lays out exactly which drugs are given, in what doses, in what order, on which days, and for how many cycles. Protocols are based on the best available evidence from clinical trials and on international guidelines, and they make treatment safer, more reproducible and easier to monitor.
Most chemotherapy regimens are known by acronyms drawn from their drug names — for example AC, FOLFOX, CHOP, R-CHOP, BEP — each of which is a defined protocol. Doses are usually adjusted for the individual patient based on weight, kidney and liver function and blood counts.
See also
- Chemotherapy — Drug treatment that kills cancer cells throughout the body.
- Clinical Trial — A carefully designed research study that tests new cancer treatments in patients.
- Chemoradiation — Chemotherapy and radiation given together to make each treatment more effective.
- Adjuvant Therapy — Additional treatment given after surgery to lower the risk of cancer coming back.
Related on this site
Questions about your diagnosis?
Bring your reports — we'll review them together and explain every term that matters for your care.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rehan Abdullah
Dr. Rehan Abdullah is a dual-trained clinical and radiation oncologist with over a decade of experience treating both solid tumours and hematologic malignancies. He serves as Consultant Oncologist at INMOL Hospital and sees patients at Farooq Hospital and Healthnox Medical Center, Lahore. Read full profile →
This page is patient education, not a substitute for an in-person consultation. Cancer care must be individualised. Read our medical disclaimer →