🍽️ 5-fluorouracil,(prescription)

Antimetabolite Chemotherapy: 5-Fluorouracil is classified as an antimetabolite chemotherapy drug. It interferes with the synthesis of DNA and RNA, thereby disrupting the replication and function of cancer cells. 5-FU acts as a thymidylate synthase inhibitor, blocking the production of thymidine, which is necessary for DNA synthesis, and incorporating into RNA, disrupting RNA function.

Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: 5-Fluorouracil is commonly used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, either alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs (e.g., leucovorin, oxaliplatin, irinotecan) or radiation therapy. It may be administered intravenously as part of a chemotherapy regimen or as a topical cream for certain types of skin cancer.

Adjuvant and Palliative Therapy: In the management of colorectal cancer, 5-fluorouracil may be used as adjuvant therapy following surgical resection of the tumor to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. It is also used as palliative therapy in advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer to control tumor growth, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Treatment of Breast Cancer: 5-Fluorouracil may be included in chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of breast cancer, particularly in combination with other drugs such as cyclophosphamide and/or doxorubicin. It may be used in neoadjuvant therapy (before surgery) to shrink tumors or in adjuvant therapy (after surgery) to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

Treatment of Skin Cancer: 5-Fluorouracil cream is approved for the topical treatment of certain types of skin cancer, including actinic keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinoma. When applied to the skin, 5-fluorouracil works by selectively targeting and destroying abnormal or cancerous cells while sparing normal surrounding tissue.

Side Effects: Common side effects of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes), stomatitis (mouth sores), myelosuppression (reduction in blood cell counts), fatigue, alopecia (hair loss), and hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia). These side effects are usually temporary and reversible after completion of treatment.

Cardiotoxicity: 5-Fluorouracil has been associated with cardiotoxicity, including angina, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy. Patients receiving 5-fluorouracil therapy should be monitored for signs and symptoms of cardiac dysfunction, particularly those with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors.

Neurotoxicity: Rarely, 5-fluorouracil may cause neurotoxicity, manifesting as cerebellar dysfunction, encephalopathy, or peripheral neuropathy. Neurological symptoms may occur during or shortly after administration of 5-fluorouracil and typically resolve upon discontinuation of the drug.

Hematologic Toxicity: 5-Fluorouracil can suppress bone marrow function, leading to myelosuppression and increased risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding. Regular monitoring of blood cell counts is essential during 5-fluorouracil therapy to detect and manage hematologic toxicity.

Pregnancy and Lactation: 5-Fluorouracil is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potential teratogenic effects and risk of fetal harm. It should not be used by breastfeeding women, as it may be excreted in breast milk and pose risks to the nursing infant.