[5-FU and HCFU concentrations in serum and tissues in hepatocellular carcinoma after HCFU oral administration]

Before proceeding with a resection of a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients, the concentrations of 5-FU and 1-Hexylcarbamoyl-5-fluorouracil (HCFU) have been measured in the serum, the liver, and in the cancer tissue after an oral administration of HCFU (300 mg). The maximum 5-FU value was found to be 3.45 +/- 3.21 micrograms/ml (n = 22) at 2 hours, and this value decreased linearly. The concentrations of 5-FU in the liver tissues were 0.02 +/- 0.01 micrograms/g (n = 16) and the concentrations of 5-FU in cancer tissues were 0.03 +/- 0.01 micrograms/g (n = 16). There were no statistical differences found between cirrhotic patients and non-cirrhotic patients. These results indicate that the concentrations of HCFU in the serum and tissues were not influenced by liver damage.