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This page contains brief information about leucovorin calcium and a collection of links to more information from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

US Brand Name(s):		Wellcovorin
FDA Approved:		Yes

Leucovorin calcium is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used by itself for the following:

• To prevent and treat the toxic effects of high-dose methotrexate when used to treat osteosarcoma and other types of cancer.
• To treat overdoses of methotrexate or other folic acid antagonists.
• To treat a condition called megaloblastic anemia that occurs when the body does not get enough of a vitamin called folic acid. It is used in patients who cannot take the vitamin by mouth.

Leucovorin calcium is also approved to be used with fluorouracil (5-FU) in the palliative treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

The drug is also being studied in the treatment of other conditions and types of cancer.

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

Clinical Trial Results: Irinotecan Not Effective in Adjuvant Therapy for Colon Cancer (08/28/2007) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: New Chemotherapy Regimen Extends Survival for Patients with Resectable Gastric Cancer (07/12/2006) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Capecitabine an Alternative in Post-Surgery Treatment of Stage III Colon Cancer (07/27/2005) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Adding Bevacizumab Improves Outcomes in Advanced Colorectal Cancer (05/14/2005) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Oxaliplatin-Based Combination Treatment Confirmed Effective in Colorectal Cancer That Has Progressed (06/01/2003) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Oxaliplatin-Based Regimen Prolongs Survival After Colorectal Cancer Surgery (06/01/2003) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Radiation and Chemotherapy After Surgery Improves Survival in Stomach Cancer (09/07/2001) - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Bevacizumab Combined With Oxaliplatin-Based Chemotherapy Prolongs Survival for Previously Treated Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer (11/29/2004) - Information from the NCI Press Office about this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Leucovorin Calcium - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

• warnings about this drug,
• what this drug is used for and how it is used,
• what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
• what you should know about this drug before using it,
• other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
• possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This NLM patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Clinical Trials for Leucovorin Calcium - Check for trials from NCI's PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry now accepting patients.

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