Dosing Weight is defined by specific investigational chemotherapy protocols, and in many instances may differ from the patient's actual weight at the time the orders are written. For example, a protocol may require that the patient's weight at the first treatment continue to be used for calculating doses in subsequent treatments, to prevent fluid retention—and resultant weight increases—from affecting the dosing.
The proper application of dosing weight in investigational chemotherapy is important to preserve the intent and prevent violations of the protocol, and maintain the safety of the patient.
The dosing weight entry form displays instructions for the chemo medication, the patient's current height and weight, the dosing weight used for the initial treatment, and the most recent dosing weight entry. The difference between the current weight and the initial weight, and the current weight and the most recent weight, is displayed as a percentage of the initial weight entry.