What is meant by course dose (also known as divided dose) for antineoplastic agents?

Course dose, or divided dose, refers to the recommended dose of antineoplastic agents that is administered over a defined period of time rather than as a single bolus or point-in-time administration. This method is often used to enhance the therapeutic effect of the medication while minimizing potential side effects. Administering the drug in divided doses allows for better tolerance and optimizes the time the drug remains active in the body, providing sustained exposure to the antineoplastic agent against cancer cells.

In the context of cancer treatment, maintaining consistent levels of a medication in the bloodstream can be critical for effectiveness, and dividing the total dose across multiple sessions facilitates this. Furthermore, it helps in managing the adverse effects that may arise from a higher single dose. Therefore, understanding course dosing is fundamental to effective chemotherapy regimens and patient management.