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Toxicity of 5-fluorouracil
1Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, St. Vincents Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|August 12, 1999
Summary
Fluorouracil (5-FU) dosing and schedules significantly alter toxicity patterns. Clinicians can select 5-FU regimens balancing efficacy and patient-specific side effects, considering age and sex.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fluorouracil (5-FU) has been used for 41 years.
- Different doses and schedules of 5-FU lead to varied toxicity profiles.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for effective cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distinct toxicity patterns associated with various Fluorouracil (5-FU) administration methods.
- To guide clinicians in selecting optimal 5-FU regimens based on patient-specific factors and desired toxicity profiles.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical data on Fluorouracil (5-FU) administration.
- Comparison of toxicity outcomes across different dosing and scheduling strategies (infusional vs. bolus).
- Identification of patient demographics associated with increased 5-FU toxicity.
Main Results:
- Infusional 5-FU schedules show reduced myelosuppression but increased gastrointestinal and skin toxicity.
- Bolus 5-FU schedules are linked to myelotoxicity.
- Bolus 5-FU with calcium folinate can cause diarrhea, mucositis, and myelosuppression.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians can tailor 5-FU treatment by choosing regimens with acceptable toxicity profiles.
- Patients over 70 and female patients may experience heightened 5-FU toxicity.
- Personalized 5-FU administration is key to optimizing cancer therapy outcomes.