FOLFIRI
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil, irinotecan |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
FOLFIRI stands for Folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil, irinotecan, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Chemotherapy regimen for metastatic colorectal cancer, often used first-line or after FOLFOX, typically combined with bevacizumab, cetuximab or panitumumab depending on tumor biology. It is given every two weeks with a 46-hour fluorouracil infusion.
Example: Progression on FOLFOX-bevacizumab: switch to FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab.
Usage notes
Irinotecan can cause severe diarrhea and low white counts; patients carrying the UGT1A1*28 variant clear the drug more slowly and may need lower doses. Atropine treats the early cholinergic diarrhea that can occur during the infusion. Unlike FOLFOX, it does not cause cumulative nerve damage.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- ET – Essential thrombocythemia
- FFP – Fresh frozen plasma
- FISH – Fluorescence in situ hybridization
- FL – Follicular lymphoma
- FLOT – Fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, docetaxel
- FN – Febrile neutropenia
- FOLFIRINOX – Folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin
- FOLFOX – Folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil, oxaliplatin
- FVL – Factor V Leiden
- G6PD – Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
- GBM – Glioblastoma multiforme
- GVHD – Graft-versus-host disease
See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.