[Experimental study of UFT in prostatic carcinoma (DU-145) in nude mice]

We evaluated the anticancer effect of UFT, which is composed of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (Tegafur) and uracil in a molar ratio of 1:4, for prostatic carcinoma (DU-145) in nude mice, and the effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in vitro. Tumor growth of DU-145 in nude mice was inhibited in the group administered UFT (20 mg/kg), but was not in the Tegafur (100 mg/kg) group in comparison with the control group. The concentration of 5-FU in the tumor reached higher levels in the group administered UFT in comparison with the Tegafur group. Also, DU-145 cells were inhibited by about 70% in 4 gamma concentration of 5-FU compared with the control. These data suggest the clinical usefulness of UFT for prostatic carcinoma.