What does dose intensity refer to in chemotherapy?

Dose intensity is specifically defined as the amount of drug delivered over time, which is crucial in the context of chemotherapy. It represents the total dose of a chemotherapeutic agent administered per unit of time, often expressed in terms of mg/m²/week or similar metrics.

This concept is vital because it can influence both the efficacy and toxicity of treatment. A higher dose intensity might lead to better treatment outcomes as it can overcome tumor resistance and achieve a more significant therapeutic effect. Conversely, it may also increase the risk of adverse effects, making the balance of dose intensity an important consideration in treatment planning.

The other factors mentioned do play roles in chemotherapy regimens but do not encapsulate the specific definition of dose intensity. For instance, the frequency of drug administration refers more to how often a patient receives a dose rather than the total amount delivered over a particular timeframe. Effectiveness relates to how well the treatment works against the cancer, which is influenced by, but distinct from, dose intensity. Patient tolerance refers to how well a patient can withstand the side effects of the treatment, affecting their ability to continue receiving therapy, but it does not measure the amount of drug administered.