🍽️ floxuridine,(prescription)

Antineoplastic Activity: Floxuridine belongs to the class of medications known as antimetabolites. It works by interfering with the synthesis of DNA and RNA, which are essential for the growth and replication of cancer cells. By inhibiting nucleic acid synthesis, floxuridine prevents cancer cells from proliferating and induces their death.

Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: Floxuridine is commonly used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, particularly when the cancer has spread to the liver (metastatic colorectal cancer). It may be administered directly into the hepatic artery (intra-arterial infusion) to target tumors in the liver.

Administration Route: Floxuridine is typically administered as an intravenous infusion or through direct injection into the hepatic artery. In the case of hepatic artery infusion, floxuridine is delivered directly to the liver, allowing for higher concentrations of the drug to reach the tumor while minimizing systemic side effects.

Adverse Effects: Common side effects of floxuridine may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mucositis (inflammation of the mucous membranes). Bone marrow suppression, resulting in decreased production of blood cells (myelosuppression), may also occur, leading to anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Liver Toxicity: Floxuridine can cause hepatotoxicity (liver damage), particularly when administered via hepatic artery infusion. Hepatic artery occlusion or liver dysfunction may occur as a result of the infusion procedure, necessitating close monitoring of liver function during treatment.

Hand-Foot Syndrome: Floxuridine may cause a side effect known as hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), characterized by redness, swelling, and pain in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This condition can be dose-limiting and may require dose adjustments or discontinuation of treatment.

Bone Marrow Suppression: Floxuridine can suppress bone marrow function, leading to a decreased production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This can increase the risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding, necessitating regular monitoring of blood cell counts during treatment.

Contraindications and Precautions: Floxuridine is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components. It should be used with caution in patients with preexisting liver disease or impaired bone marrow function. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are generally contraindicated due to the potential risk of harm to the fetus or infant.

Monitoring and Supportive Care: Patients receiving floxuridine therapy require close monitoring of liver function, blood cell counts, and renal function. Supportive care measures, such as antiemetic medications to manage nausea and vomiting, may be prescribed to improve tolerance to treatment.

Combination Therapy: Floxuridine may be used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs or radiation therapy as part of a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. The choice of treatment regimen depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and treatment goals.