BC Cancer BSA Calculator

Body Surface Area Formula:

\[ BSA = \sqrt{\frac{W \times H}{3600}} \]

Body Surface Area (m²):

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1. What is the BC Cancer BSA Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates Body Surface Area (BSA) using the Mosteller formula, which is commonly used in BC Cancer protocols.

Purpose: BSA is used to calculate drug dosages for chemotherapy and other medications where dosage is based on body size.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mosteller formula:

\[ BSA = \sqrt{\frac{W \times H}{3600}} \]

Where:

\( BSA \) — Body Surface Area (square meters)
\( W \) — Weight (kilograms)
\( H \) — Height (centimeters)

Explanation: The formula calculates BSA by taking the square root of the product of weight and height divided by 3600.

3. Importance of BSA Calculation

Details: Accurate BSA calculation is critical for determining appropriate medication dosages, particularly in chemotherapy, to ensure effectiveness while minimizing toxicity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the patient's weight in kilograms and height in centimeters. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is BSA used for chemotherapy dosing?
A: BSA correlates better with metabolic rate and drug clearance than body weight alone, leading to more accurate dosing.

Q2: What's the average BSA for adults?
A: The average BSA is about 1.7 m² for adult men and 1.6 m² for adult women.

Q3: Are there other BSA formulas?
A: Yes, other formulas include DuBois & DuBois, Haycock, and Boyd, but Mosteller is most commonly used in oncology.

Q4: When would I need to calculate BSA?
A: BSA is used when prescribing many chemotherapy drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and some other medications.

Q5: How accurate is the Mosteller formula?
A: It's accurate for most clinical purposes and is simpler to calculate than some other formulas.