5-fluorouracil
From Ganfyd
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a anti-metabolite used as a chemotherapeutic agent, particularly for malignancies such as breast and colorectal cancer.[1]
Chemically, it is pyrimidine and is identical to uracil (found naturally in the body), but has a fluorine atom instead of a hydrogen atom at the C-5 position. It works via two mechanisms: firstly, inhibiting thymidylate synthase, an enzyme involved in nucleotide metabolism and, secondly, it is misincorporated into RNA and DNA, disrupting their functions.
It is often co-administered with other chemotherapeutic agents, including methotrexate, irinotecan and oxaliplatin. It has traditionally been given intravenously, but is available orally as a prodrug, capecitabine.
Fluorouracil cream is used topically to ablate Bowen's disease and solar keratoses.
Contents |
Clinical Issues
Contra-indications
Cautions and Interactions
Side effects
- Hand-foot syndrome (Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia)
Special advice
Pharmacology
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