Evidence supporting the use of: Folinic Acid
For the health condition: Leukemia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Folinic acid (also known as leucovorin) is scientifically validated for use in the treatment of leukemia, specifically as a "rescue" agent during high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy. Methotrexate is a folate antagonist used to treat several types of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). While methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, disrupting DNA synthesis and cell replication in rapidly dividing cells (including cancer cells), it can also cause severe toxicity in normal tissues.

Folinic acid is a reduced form of folic acid that bypasses the blocked enzyme and "rescues" normal cells from the toxic effects of methotrexate, allowing higher, more effective doses of methotrexate to be used safely. This approach is well-established and supported by numerous clinical trials and guidelines. Folinic acid does not reduce the anti-leukemic effect of methotrexate when administered according to proper timing and dosing schedules. It may also be used to treat accidental methotrexate overdose.

Importantly, folinic acid is not used as a primary therapy for leukemia, but as an adjunct to chemotherapy to mitigate adverse effects and enable effective dosing. Its use is standard in pediatric and adult oncology protocols for leukemias where methotrexate is employed. This application is supported by decades of research and is considered the gold standard in modern oncology practice.

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